What do Mormons believe happens to us after we die? What do Mormons believe about life after death?

Boley answered…

When we die our spirits leave our physical bodies and pass into the spirit world. There they find themselves in one of two circumstances. Either they are in paradise--a state of rest, a place of peace free from the cares and worries of mortality, or they are in a type of "spiritual prison." This is not a prison with locks and bars per se, but it is a place where spirits dwell who lack the necessary covenant blessings to be able to proceed on their eternal path. These are matters that must be addressed before they can progress forward. We believe that we can help provide a way forward for these individuals through vicarious temple work on their behalf. Through these temple covenants we believe that we can make availabe to individuals in the spirit world completed covenants which if accepted will allow them to continue along their eternal path. These principles are taught in the New Testament (Isaiah 61:1; 1Cor 15:12-29; 1Pet 3:18-22) and further expouned in the Doctrine & Covenants (D&C 128:16-18; D&C 138:47-54). We believe that during the three days that Christ's body lay in the tomb, His spirit went to the spirit world and there He organized the preaching of the gospel to the spirits in prison. We labor in the holy temples to bring the blessings of baptism and of temple covenants to our ancestors so that they might have a hope and faith in the atonement of Christ as well. Ultimately, we will resurrect and our bodies and spirits will be reunited and we will live immortally forever as families sealed together in eternal family organizations if we are faithful in keeping the covenants we make during this life.

Alma answered…

Mormons believe that death is not an end, but a transition. Our mortal bodies were never meant to last forever. They are subject to withering away with age, illness, or untimely accidents. When we die our spirits simply leave our mortal bodies, and pass on to the spirit world. In the spirit world we can continue to learn and progress. Those who have died without a knowledge of the gospel will have an opportunity to learn more about it. In the spirit world we may be reunited with our loved ones who have passed before us. One day after the Savior returns again there will be a ressurection where our bodies and spirits will be reunited, and will never be separated again.

KaraLyn Louise answered…

We believe that we existed as spirits before we came to this earth. As spirits, we lived with our Heavenly Father. When we were born, our spiritual bodies joined with our physical bodies. On this earth we grow and gain valuable experiences, solidifying relationships and learning to follow God's commandments. When we die our spirits and our bodies once again separate, but not permanently. Because Christ suffered on the cross, died, and was resurrected on the third day, He overcame death for all of us. All of us will be resurrected, meaning that our bodies and our spirits will once again be united. Our resurrected bodies will be perfect, no longer feeling pain, sickness or death. Christ gave this gift to all of us, no matter how we lived our lives on earth. However, if we live righteously and follow all of God's commandments, He will give us an even greater gift. If we live righteously we can live with Him and our families forever. The relationships that we formed on earth will continue after this life. I am so grateful to know that as long as I follow God's commandments, I can be with my family forever.

Charlotte answered…

We believe that this life is only a part of our overall existence. We existed before our mortal lives, and we will continue to exist afterward. When we die, we will still be ourselves. We will go to a place of rest before we are resurrected and returned to our bodies. One of the most crucial beliefs we have about life after death is that we will have the opportunity to be with our families forever. We will know our families in heaven. Our family relationships are the most important ones we make here on earth, and because we have a loving Heavenly Father, we have the chance of being with our families for eternity.

Caitlin answered…

Death is definitely NOT the end. Which I am so thankful for. We either go to a Spirit world or to a place called Paradise. People who received the gospel and were baptized into Christ's church by someone having authority in this life, go to Paradise to wait to be judged according to the work and deeds in life and to be rejoined with their resurrected (renewed) bodies. If you didn't have the opportunity to accept the gospel in this life than you have the opportunity to learn more about it in the Spirit World and will have the opportunity to accept it there as you are waiting to be resurrected. Thanks to our Savior Jesus Christ we will all live again.
We also believe in being forever joined to our families or "sealed" through certain ordinances performed in God's temples (as done anciently in the bible). This means marriage is eternal and so are families. When we die we are not separated from our families forever but will be with them again. This cannot happen unless we are sealed in temples by those having authority and who have the priesthood. After judgment Christ will decide where we are to live eternally. We will either go to the telestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, or the highest, Celestial Kingdom. This is where we live with eternal families, live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and continue to progress. This is kind of an abridged version of what we believe happens after we die. For more info on it search Mormon.org

Evan answered…

We view ourselves as dual beings, having a spirit or soul that is immortal that motivates a mortal body. Our spirit is the offspring of a Heavenly Father and returns to spirit world when it departs the body at death. Ultimately the spirit will be returned to a perfected and immortal body in an eternal existence whose characteristics are determined by our desires and acquisition of qualities that are Christ-like.

Tyler M. answered…

God loves all of us. He wants all of us to be with those we love, and with Him again. Life here isn't just meant to end when we die. It goes much farther than that!

Barbara Ellen answered…

Heavenly Father's plan for us is a plan of happiness and hope. I feel strongly that we will continue to exist after this life is over and that we can progess or learn and growin in the spirit world. When a loved one dies I have hope that we can see them again, be together in the same sort of relationship as before. It is a great comfort to me to believe that I will someday be with my family again and have the opportunity to live forever as a family in heaven. I am so thankful that our Savior Jesus Christ made resurrection possible for all of God's children.

Nathan C. answered…

When we die, our spirits are separated from our mortal bodies. While our bodies are buried, our spirits go to the spirit world to await resurrection, which will occur after the Second Coming of Christ. Once resurrected we will all be judged, according to our own sins, and not for Adam's transgression. Repentance in this life can erase previous sins as the great prophet Isaiah penned: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool (Isaiah 1:18).

Michael answered…

we believe we go to the spirit world where those who never came to a knowledge of the gospel are taught by those who did recieve a knowledge of the truth. we are then jusged at the second coming, recieve mortal bodies, and depending on our works, we recieve a place at the right hand of god to live with our families and loved ones forever.

Nancy answered…

We believe that after we die, our spirits the essential part of us aside from our bodies return to our Father in Heaven where we continue to learn and progress. We believe that we are eternal beings and our life continues after mortality. Our eternal state will vary depending on our faith and faithfulness.

Andy answered…

After death, our spirits are separated from our bodies. Between our death and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ our spirits reside in the Spirit World. The Spirit World consists of Spirit Paradise, and Spirit Prison.

Spirit Paradise is described as a "state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, ad sorrow Alma 4012." It is a place for the righteous in this life, those who have lived in accordance with all of God's commandments.

Spirit Prison is described as "in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon them... Alma 40 14" It is a place for the wicked, those who did not follow the commandments of God, and who did not accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this life. God is our Heavenly Father, He loves each and every one of us, and He will give us as many chances to return to Him as possible. The Spirits in Spirit Prison are preached the Gospel, and given the chance to accept in the afterlife. The Spirits in paradise are the missionaries who teach those in prison. "...thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their resurrection Alma 4014."

If we lived righteously and followed God's commandments then we will dwell with God again. If we didn't do these things, then we will not be able to dwell in the presence of God, for "no unclean thing can dwell with God 1 Nephi 1021."

Bear answered…

Being of Native American descent, the beliefs that I grew up with were that this life is only a stepping stone and when our family members pass on they are only awaiting our arrival at the council fire. The LDS religion is the same in this belief, that we are only in this state for a short time and when it is our time to pass our family is waiting on us with open arms to see us once again and welcome us back amongst them. I have many a family member that are waiting for my arrival, but not before my tasks are complete here.

Lacey. answered…

If you have ever lost someone you love, you know that love does not die when this body does. We go on loving those who have died for as long as we live. The only reason that makes sense to me is that our spirits continue to live after our bodies die.

Our Heavenly Father has a plan for us. He sent us hear to earth to get physical bodies and to learn and grow. Once this life is over, our bodies die but our spirits live on. After our physical death, our spirits go to the spirit world to continue to learn and grow. At sometime after death, we will be resurrected as Christ was resurrected. Our spirits and bodies will reunite, never to be separated again. It is a free gift to all who live on this earth.

Once we are resurrected, we will be judged and those who have had faith in Christ and strived to follow his commandments will obtain a kingdom of glory. We will be able to spend eternity with those we love. Love does not end with our mortal death nor do our spirits die. We live on and can be reunited with those we love.

Joan answered…

We believe that this life is only part of our existence. My Mother recently died and while I am very sad for myself because I miss her, I am very happy for her and that she no longer suffers in a cancer filled body. She lived a beautiful life and was a wonderful example of patience and charity. Because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and because I know Jesus died and was resurrected, I have no doubt that I will continue my association with her when I pass on. I know that we will all be resurrected and have the opportunity to be with those we love again.

Preston answered…

Death is an essencial part in our Heavenly Father's plan. With death, our spirit leaves our bodies and goes to Spirit Paradise if we have been righteous, or Spirit Prison (hell) if we have not lived the commandments of the Lord. There we will wait until we are resurrected, which is the reuniting of the spirit and the body in its immortal and perfect form. This is a blessing given to all of God's children whether wicked or righteous. We will then stand at the judgement bar of God and be judged according to our works here on Earth. We will then be placed in one of 3 kingdoms or degrees of glory. Only in the highest kingdom can we live in the presence of our Heavenly Father and have our families forever. In order to live in the highest kingdom we must live all the commandments of God, it's that simple.

Lee answered…

Are you serious, do you really believe there is a plan for our lives and that God really cares and to answer that question there certainly is life after death, otherwise what is the purpose?

Cary answered…

We believe everyone will be resurrected before a judgment day in the future. So we believe there's a waiting space prepared for spirits to reside before that reuniting with the body--a sort of spiritual bullpen. Now, if you know pretty much what kind of judgment is coming your way, your state of waiting can be pretty peaceful or downright harrowing depending on how you lived. So this "Spirit World" is divided by a sort of pre-judgment. After the resurrection, we believe God will reward everyone He can according to the best they did and the most blessings they can handle. Sadly, this means not everyone's going to deserve the highest glories. Those who fulfill all His requirements will inherit all that He has, but there will still be glory available for people who lived a good life, but didn't accept Christ in mortality, for example. There are three general "degrees" of glory the Celestial kingdom best, sun-like in glory, the terrestrial kingdom good, but limiting, lower in glory like the moon is to the sun, and the telestial kingdom still unimaginably cool, but pales in comparison to the terrestrial like stars pale to the moon. On the other hand, people who have come out in open rebellion against God, even after having been given a full testimony of his goodness, will have to be removed from any degree of glory whatsoever. We call this place Outer Darkness.

Kaylee Rae answered…

We believe that because we lived in spirit before we came to Earth, we will continue to live in spirit after we die. Just because we live this earthly existence, doesn't mean we come to an end. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, he broke the bands of death and allows all men to be resurrected and gain salvation and gives us the opportunity of Eternal Life (living with Heavenly Father again).

Michael J. Williams answered…

 Years ago I lost my five year old son in an automobile accident. It was a painful experience to go through, but my wife and I survived it because of our strong belief that some day in the hereafter we would be with him again along with our other departed family members. This gave us hope of something to look forward to in our future rather than lingering grieving over the past.

Daniel answered…

I believe very strongly in the truth that Jesus Christ was resurrected and that because he was, we will all be resurrected too. When we die, our body dies, but our spirit inside our body does not die. In the future, the body and spirit will come together again. This is possible because of Jesus, who was resurrected soon after his death.
This brings me great comfort and peace. It gives me and other Mormons a different perspective on death because we know that it is not the end. I have two grandmothers and a friend from high school who have passed on, but I know I will see them again.

John David answered…

Our body is separated from our spirit. Our spirit goes on to continue living, while the body decays. Our character and knowledge will continue with us beyond the grave.

We also believe that all men and women will be resurrected, which means that our body and spirit will be reunited eternally with glory. This is through the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corintians 15:20-22).

David answered…

At death our spirit is separated from our body and lives in a spirit world until the time when we are all resurrected through Jesus Christ, our spirits being reunited with a now-perfect body that can never die or get sick.

Steve answered…

Mormons believe in the eternal nature of man. Mormons believe that we existed as spirit children of our Heavenly Father before we were born. At birth we receive physical bodies. Death is the separation of of the spirit from the physical body. The resurrection is the reuniting of our spirits with perfected physical bodies. We believe everyone will be resurrected. This is a gift from Jesus Christ, made possible through his resurrection. Consequently, we believe that everyone that has ever lived will live again after death.

Bruce answered…

After we die, our spirits "are taken home to that God who gave them life." This is part of an initial judgment that will assign us to spirit prison or spirit paradise, where we can continue to progress before our own resurrection. The resurrection is part of a more final judgment.

Mitch answered…

We believe that they go to a 'spirit world' where they interact with other spirits they have known in this life. From there a day comes when all are resurrected and then judged for their behavior in this life. They then go to a final place the glory of which corresponds to the life they have lived.

Cece answered…

After we die, people who lived Christlike lives and were baptized go to "paradise." Everyone else goes to "spirit prison." But don't worry! The awesome thing is, people in paradise get to spend all their time talking to people in spirit prison and telling them about the good news of Jesus Christ! Then, when someone is baptized on their behalf in one of our Temples, they can go to paradise too!
At the end of the world, Christ will return to this Earth in power and glory. Satan will be bound, and there will be a Millennium of peace that is talked about in the book of Revelation. Everyone will have the chance to hear about Christ and to repent and make good choices :) Then at the end, we have one more chance to prove ourselves against Satan before he is cast off forever into "outer darkness" basically Hell. Jesus Christ will be our judge and we will receive different degrees of glory based on our actions and the intentions and desires of our hearts. He will place us where we belong, and we will dwell in glory forever :)
We believe in three "kingdoms" of glory - Telestial, where the Holy Spirit can be with us; Terrestrial, where Christ can be with us also; and Celestial, where we can be with God and Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit :)

Adam answered…

Mormons declare that death is not the end of an individual. Death is the separation of the body and the spirit. The spirit continues to live but not in a body. This is a waiting period and not the final state of the soul. Through Jesus Christ, all mankind will be resurrected, meaning that the spirit will be reunited with a perfected body. All mankind will then be immortal, never to physically die again. Those who are faithful in this life will have the opportunity to live with God, Jesus Christ and their families forever afterward.

Kendra answered…

Death is a necessary stop in our journey to live with our Heavenly Father again. When our bodies die, we believe that our spirits live on. Our spirits will go to a place called the Spirit World. While we are in the Spirit World, we will continue to learn more about the Gospel. We can also be reunited with loved ones who died before us.

We do not believe that death is permanent. The Spirit World is not the final resting place of our spirits. We will be resurrected. At some point in time, our spirits will be reunited with our bodies. They will be complete and whole. From that point on, our spirits and our bodies will never be separated again. This is possible because of our Savior Jesus Christ's death and Resurrection. He made it possible for us to live again.

Kelly answered…

Mormons believe that Death is the beginning of our eternal life with God. After we die, our spirits go to the Spirit World where we are able to continue our path to the Heavenly Father, or where we are given a second chance to live eternally with the Heavenly Father if our time on earth was not lived as well as it should have been. Eventually, our spirits are rejoined with our bodies, which will be in perfect form, like the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We will stand before God to be judged and He will determine in which of the three kingdoms we will spend eternity. In this eternal life, we can be reunited with our loved ones that passed before us. This is all part of the Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation.

Colleen answered…

We go back home.

Heather answered…

We get to see our loved ones. Our bodies may die, but our spirits live on forever, and we believe that Christ will come again, and we will regain our bodies in a perfected state.

Isaac answered…

Our soul is made of both body and spirit. When we die, our body stops working, but our spirit continues to live and our thoughts and desires continue with us. We remember our lives, and we have the same personality. Based on our actions, we go to a waiting place, where the righteous are granted rest and peace and the unrighteous recieve sorrow and sadness. We wait there, with the righteous preaching to the unrighteous (and thus allowing them the opportunity to repent and be saved) until the coming of Christ, when we will be resurrected, and the righteous will live with God and Christ for eternity.

Rachael answered…

Being an oncology nurse at a Cancer Hospital for 7 years I have had many experiences with death and seeing families deal with the death of a loved one. There is great peace in death when people know that this is not the end and that they will see their loved one again. I know you can pray to God and ask Him if there is life after death and if you will see your loved one again and He will bring that peace to your heart if you question what happens to us when we die. I have seen many people accept death as part of their battle with cancer when they know it is God's will for them. Part of life is death and unfortunately we all have to go through losing people we hold dear, but we can know it is not the end. Jesus Christ died and was resurrected so that we can also live forever and I know we will all eventually be resurrected and be able to be with our families. I don't know how it all works and how it all will happen and how it is even possible, but I just know that it is!

Rob answered…

Mormons believe that we are eternal beings. Before we came to earth, we lived with God as his children. God sent us to earth to learn and to grow spiritually. After we die, our eternal spirits continue to live. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our spirits will some day be reunited with our physical bodies. We believe we will continue to learn and further develop after this life. By taking part in a holy ceremonies that we perform in our temples, we believe that we will have the opportunity to be reunited with our family members after this life.

Jim answered…

When we die, our spirit leaves our body. We do not cease to exist, and we do not change into something or someone that we are not. We are the same person. We have just left our body. Sort of like taking a suit off. We then enter into a realm we call "the spirit world." It is a place where we are reunited with loved ones who have gone before us.

We are taught in the scriptures that this spirit world is a temporary location where we will await the resurrection. We believe in the literal resurrection. Just as Jesus Christ was resurrected, and his spirit re-entered his body, so we will one day be resurrected, never to die again. This is one of the many results of the great atonement which he performed for us.

Devin answered…

We beleive that this life is not the end. Our bodies and spirits will be separated. Our bodies will remain here, while our spirits continue on. Eventually, our bodies and spirits will be reunited (ressurected), and our bodies will be perfect and will never experience physicall death again.

If we lived according to God's commandments, as we have come to know them, we will have the blessing of eternal life. We beleive that missionary work does continue after this life and those who did not have the opportunity to hear the gospel in it's fullest in this life, will have that opportunity in the life to come.

Pyper answered…

We believe that we can be reunited together forever as family, throughout all generations. Life doesn't end when we die, we live in Heaven. We will live with our Father in Heaven and our eldest brother, Jesus Christ. 

Dave answered…

When we lost our daughter in a vehicle accident, I was strengthened by my testimony about the eternal nature of families. Death does not cause a permanent separation from our loved ones. We are able to be with our loved ones again. While we mourn our loss because of our temporary separation, we rejoice in the knowledge that we will be reunited again.

Alyssa answered…

After a struggle with cancer, my father passed away. Because of what we learn in the Book of Mormon, we know that after someone dies they go home to that God that gave them life and stay in a state of peace and rest until they are resurrected, if we follow what the Lord has told us to do.

Sarah answered…

It's not the end for us...death. It's just a necessary progression in this eternal life that we are in the process of living. At some point after our deaths, our spirits and bodies will be united, never to be separated again.

There are those I love who have died, I know without a doubt that I will see them again. I look forward to a joyous reunion.

William answered…

As previously stated, we believe that death is not the end of the life, but rather it is a doorway to progression. Upon death, the spirit departs from the body of flesh and enters the spirit world where it continues to learn and prepare for the resurrection when it will be united with an immortal perfect body.

Each person will be judged by Heavenly Father according to how valiant he or she was in living their life of earth according to their knowledge and understanding of the teaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ and will be rewarded accordingly. The righteous will live with Him in the Celestial Kingdom where husbands and wives can be together for ever more with their children, or those who were less righteous to live in a kingdom of lesser glory.

Toiya answered…

We believe that when we die our spirits return to the God that gave us life. We believe that because of the Atonement, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ that all who die will live again. Because of this knowledge I do not fear death.

Ellen answered…

After we die we go either to Spirit Prison or Spirit paradise. Spirit Prison is really a negative name for just a place of progress and learning. There are certain things that we must learn and do before we are ready for judgement and progression into heaven. The people that go into Spirit prison are simply not prepared yet and the people that go to Spirit paradise are able to help them and teach them so that they can be prepared. Heavenly Father loves us so much and knew that we would not all be able to prepare for Heaven while on earth so he has allowed us a place to continue to grow and be perfected. After Spirit Prison/Paradise we are resurected and placed into our appropriate kingdoms of glory. Our bodies will be perfected and if we have been prepared and are righteous we will be able to be with our families for eternity.

Chris answered…

After we die, we still exist as spirits. We all die. It is still sad because you are separated from your loved ones temporarily but we still exist and can be reunited again.

After death, we will be in the spirit world. People who did not get the opportunity to learn about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ can do so in the spirit world. I know I want to help them learn those important truths that will bring happiness. In the spirit world, we can continue growing and learning.

Soon, our physical bodies will join with our spirit bodies once again in the resurrection thanks to the Atonement and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Eric answered…

We believe that all men will be resurrected, and we will all meet God again, to be judged. Those that kept the commandments will live happily with their families forever.

Aubrie answered…

My dad died when I was two years old and I've always known I would be with him and learn from him again. After this life, the spirit goes on to live in a sort of "spirit waiting room" in order for them to learn about Jesus Christ and choose if they want to come closer to Him. Those who spent their lives coming closer to Him assist in teaching others how they can do it too. Everybody has a chance! All those who accept the gospel of Jesus Christ and commit to follow Him by serving in the kingdom of God are given the opportunity to attain the highest order of heaven: living eternally with our Father in Heaven and our families.

Jetmir answered…

We believe that there is life after death and that this mortal life we are living is to prepare us for the afterlife.

Bill Leveque answered…

We are reunited with our families, so to us, death is not necessarily a sad time, but a time of separation for a brief period.

Gary Olsen answered…

This is the beauty of our doctrine. God is our Heavenly Father - he loves us as a father would (a perfect father). He is not an austere being looking to punish us for every mistake and He wants us to live with Him in an eternal family. If we keep the commandments, repent of our sins and keep the covenants we have made, we will live in a perfect world with our family associations. We will not only live forever but can be exhalted and increase our knowledge. We do not believe we will float on a cloud, strumming a harp and gaze into the face of Jesus. We will be engaged in celestial work in the Kingdom of God. This of course depends on how faithful we are in this life because no unclean thing can dwell in the presense of God.

Summer Romney answered…

When someone dies, they are not gone, they have actually gone home to their father in heaven. Your physical self will die, but your spirit will go on to heaven, where it will enter the spirit world. You will be united with your friends and family who have also gone to heaven. Death is a sad thing while you are on earth, but the comfort of knowing about life after death helps you get through it.

Everyone will be resurrected, at one point. Your spirit and your body will be reunited and will never be separated again. Because Jesus Christ died for us on the cross, we are able to go to heaven. Just remember, the end is only the beginning.

Ned answered…

Life after death is an important principle in my life and is key to providing peace and comfort to each of us especially as we lose family members. We lost our forth son in a stillbirth, but were blessed through that challenge to know that in our Heavenly Father's plan for all mankind, there is eternal life. We knew we would be with this son again. Recently my father and my brother have passed on and though we miss them, we know where they too have gone.
At death our spirits, which are eternal, are separated from our physical bodies and go to reside in the Spirit World. Here they reunite with loved ones and friends and begin their role in furthering the work of the Kingdom of God. If they have not received the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they are introduced to its principles (and ordinances). Those spirits that have accepted The Gospel, are inlisted in the efforts to provide this sacred training and preparations for the second coming of the Savior. Following The Savior's reign over the earth (the millenium) a universal resurrection is made available, where every spirit will be reunited with that physical body again, just as Jesus taught and introduced to the world. And finally, a Judgement will be performed for all, and each of us will receive a deserved glory according to the will of our Heavenly Father.

Megan answered…

When we die, our spirit separates from our body. Our spirit will go to a place called the Spirit World where we can be with loved ones who have passed on. There we will continue to learn and progress and eventually, our spirit and our body will be reunited, in perfect form. Just as Jesus was resurrected, through Him, we will be too.

Deb answered…

We believe that after we die we will be judged concerning our works that we have performed in this life, this mortal probation. We believe that every person is born with the Light of Christ, and knows much of right and wrong because of this Light. We believe that our thoughts and behaviors, our ability to repent and change, to love and lift each other with the pure love of Christ, will determine how we will live and with whom we will live after we die.

Amy answered…

All will be resurrected as resurrection is a gift given to us through Christ's suffering on the cross. Resurrection does not require that we follow a specific religion or fulfill certain requirements. It is freely given to all and all people will be resurrected, no matter their status or situation on Earth.

Tiffany answered…

After we die, we go to a place called the Spirit World where we wait for the final judgment. It is a place where people can continue learning about Jesus Christ and His true church. Those who already know the truth teach those who don't, and everyone eventually has the chance to accept or not. We are the same people as we were before on this earth.

Roberta answered…

At death our spirits go to the spirit world (paradise). Those who chose to follow God in this life will live in a state of happiness, peace, and rest from troubles and care. Those who chose not to obey God in this life and did not repent live in a state of unhappiness.

Life after death (after judgment) will be in one of the three kingdoms of glory, based our choices between good and evil and how we lived our life. Jesus Christ made it possible for everyone to be resurrected--for their soul to reunite with their bodies never to be separated again. Everyone who has ever lived on earth will receive immortal bodies and each person will receive their reward in whatever kingdom they have qualified for based on how they lived their life. Those who gain Eternal Life will live with the Father and the Son in the celestial kingdom, which is the highest degree of glory where they can be with their worthy family members forever.

Rachel answered…

We believe that life continues after our physical death. After this life we will have the opportunity to continue progressing and to be with the people we love. What a wonderful doctrine, and one that is especially meaningful to me, having lost my mom to cancer. I know I will be with her again.

Nicole answered…

I know that the death is not the end. When I was in the public libary I was looking for some informations I needed for my genealogy. I didn't found the informations for my great-grandmother. I asked her in silence, if she wants my help for her, I need her help now. I found the information. I never met my great-grandmother in person.

The second testimony is stronger. I dreamed about an accident on a road. One person died. I saw in the dream how the spirit of this person was devided from the body. Two day later, I learned that my cousin had died in this night. I was a witness of his death.

Suesan answered…

I asked this very question in high school when I had three friends die within a month of each other. Losing someone is one of the hardest experiences of life. I have recently lost my nephew to a drunk driver and the pain of being separated from a loved one is very real and very difficult.
I know that God has a plan for each of us. As a Latter-day Saint, I believe in a life after this one where we continue to learn and grow and progress. I know that there is more than what we have here on earth and that eases some of the pain.
I still miss my loved ones. The pain is still fresh and real. But the knowledge that we can live again and that our families are eternal is a knowledge that eases my pain.

Shelly answered…

Mormons believe that God's "plan of happiness" has been revealed. This plan teaches us our purpose for mortality and what happens after we leave this earthly existence. The "happiness" part of the plan is that we will be resurrected and have the opportunity to live with our Heavenly Father, Jesus and all of our loved ones again. As described in the scriptures (John 14:2, 1 Cor. 15:40-41) there are many mansions in the Lord's kingdom, and our inheritance will depend on how we have lived during our earthly life and our testimony of and obedience to the Lord's teachings. Mormons believe that the Lord is mindful of those who did not learn the gospel during earth life. After death their spirits go to a place of preparation prior to the resurrection, and there they will have an opportunity to be taught. We believe that husbands and wives and families may be united or sealed together forever.

Kevin Vehar answered…

We will be evaluated by Jesus Christ to see what type of person we have become. Each one of us will be rewarded with glory according to what we deserve and eventually live with God and his son, Jesus Christ and our families again.

Mike answered…

When we die, our spirit goes to God, who gives us an intial judgment, and we are assigned to either Paradise or Spirit Prison. While in one of those two places, we still work. We still progress. The Gospel is still preached including to the spirits in Spirit Prison. As they accept the Gospel, they will then have an opportunity for additional glory. At Christ's second comming, the resurrection of the just will swing into full tilt. During the 1000 years of the Millenium, when Christ will personally reign upon the earth, those who die "will be changed in the twinkling of an eye" (resurrected). At the conclusion of the Millenium, Satan will be loosed for a season, then there will be the resurrection of the unjust (everyone who has lived on this earth will resurrect). After we resurrect, we will receive our final judgement. The possiblities are going to the Celestial Kingdom (the highest degree), the Terrestial Kingdom (the middle degree), or the Telestial Kingdom (the lowest degree). We are told that this earth life is somewhat like the Telestial Kingdom. The scriptures compare the Celestial Kingdom to the sun in brightness and glory. The Terrestial Kingdom is compared to the moon, and the Telestial Kingdom is compared to the stars. If we want to be with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and our families, we must work to qualify for the Celestial Kingdom. There are even several levels within the Celestial Kingdom, so you pretty well get what you deserve. There is no "one size fits all." There is a fourth possibility, which is called Outer Darkness. It is reserved for the sons of perdition - Satan and his angels.

Donnie answered…

We believe that after we die we go to a place called the spirit world.This is a waiting period that is a time tfor those who never recieved the gospel or performed the neccisary ordinances to enter into the kingdom of God. There they can recive that knowledge and someone here in mortality will do thier ordinances for them and they can exept it, or not. Then after that waiting period is over we will all be reserected and then be judged, Resurrection is when the body and the soul are reunited. After we are judged we will be rewarded accordinly and recieve our place in one of the Kingdoms of Glory.

Donnalynn answered…

I recently experienced the death of my mother.

After surviving two breast cancers and a kidney cancer, she was diagnosed with leukemia and given only months to live. As she had been living with our family, I became her primary care-giver. Watching her waste away was difficult and heart-wrenching. As she became more and more ill, she was admitted to the hospital where I continued to visit and do what I could for her.

I recall many nights when I would leave the hospital and look up the the stars in the sky and pour my heart out to the Lord. I knew that I could not carry this burden alone and needed His help. Day after day, for three months, I received the help I needed to remain strong.

When the phone rang at 11:30 one night, I knew Mom had died. In that instant I literally felt arms enfold me and comfort me. That feeling continued with me through the next few days as I planned the funeral and all of the other things that were needed at that time. I had assumed I would be devastated at my Mother's death, but, although I did feel sad at my loss, I knew without a doubt that the Lord was with me. Because of the church's teachings, I understand what happens after this life and I have a firm belief that I will see my mother again.

Carly answered…

We lived before we came to this Earth and we live again after we leave. Death is just a part of the plan of our Heavenly Father. Everyone's physical body dies, but your spirit does not. We continue to learn and progress and we can be with loved ones who have passed on. One day we will all be resurrected because of our Savior Jesus Christ, and because of him we may live eternally with our Father in Heaven and our Loved ones.

This was so important to me when my friend Sarah died, but I have known many who have died since then and I know this to be true.

Diane answered…

When my mother passed away, I felt overcome with grief. I knew that her physical body had died and that her spirit was in the spirit world. But still, I would miss her terribly. Right before the funeral began, I was grief stricken.

Then suddenly I felt an overwhelming peace! I knew my mother was where she needed to be and that all was well. I would see her again after this life. Sometime after her death, her spirit and body will be reunited. This is called resurrection--made possible by the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Ken answered…

During this mortal life, we are eternal souls and we just happen to have a body here on Earth. When our body dies, it is not the end of our lives. We go to where the Savior, Jesus Christ, is waiting to see us again. We will see our family members there and we will continue to learn about Heavenly Father. Some time soon after the Savior is resurrected, we will be resurrected. This means our bodies and our spirits, which make our soul, will be brought back together. Everyone who has ever lived will be resurrected and everyone will someday get to meet Heavenly Father. If we have lived the way the Savior taught, it will be a joyous occasion!

Barry Dean Woolen answered…

I use to believe that all faithful Christians go directly to Heaven.
But how could they go there before the Judgement?
When we die we all go to the Spirit World.
Jesus told the thief that he will be with him today in Paradise
Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Paradise is a part of the Spirit World. It's a place of eternal learning and progression. Jesus gained victory over death and organized the Spirit World as a part of the Great Plan of Salvation. The Holy Ghost bore witness to me that this is true. Book of Mormon | Moroni 10:5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

Jared answered…

Mormons believe that God is eternal. As His children, we are also eternal. We believe that we lived with Him before this life, as spirits, and learned all the basic lessons needed to prepare us for this life, on earth, with a physical body.

While here on earth, we need to develop certain qualities--faith, love, integrity, etc--in a situation where Heavenly Father isn't looking over our shoulder all the time. He wants us to grow up, to prove to ourselves as well as to Him, that we are good, reliable, capable people, even if we're free to do anything.

For those of us who do learn to choose right and avoid evil, God has wonderful blessings for us in the afterlife. Just like the pre-earth life prepared us to come to this advanced school on Earth, our learning here is designed to prepare us for still more advanced lessons later.

On the other hand, those who don't listen, don't care, or don't follow His instructions, will not be prepared for the more advanced lessons that are waiting. These people will suffer disappointment, regret, and sorrow because of their failure, and they will lose out on opportunities for further growth and development in the afterlife.

Fortunately, only those who consistently refuse to repent, and openly rebel against God's invitations and commandments, preferring to perfect the art of persecution and hurting others, face "Hell," or being banished from God's presence. Everyone else will enjoy measures of God's power of life, love, and wisdom, and will have more or fewer opportunities for learning and development--all depending on our attitudes developed here.

Jesse H. answered…

The doctrine of life after death is one I have come to appreciate most after learning and teaching it. Most see the after life as just Heaven and Hell. There is thought to be some fine line (though unclear) that divides the two. This is not so in the Heavenly Father's plan. Some even assume that there will be one religion that makes it to this "heaven." The glorious plan of salvation provided by Heavenly Father gives us answers and hope regarding this question. The fact is, there will be no church as we know it in the after life. There will just be the kingdom of God. The good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that all men and women will have the opportunity to come to Christ, learn of God's plan, and be a part of His kingdom. This opportunity may come in this life or may carry on into the next. We know that there will be a waiting time of sorts after we die. Everyone will have the opportunity to accept Jesus Christ. Ultimately, living with God will be our choice. When that day of judgment comes, all those who have chosen to accept the Savior are able to live with God in what we call the Celestial Kingdom. There will also be a lesser kingdom prepared for those who have been valiant but have chosen not to accept the Savior fully, and yet another kingdom for those who have not been valiant nor have chosen to let the Savor cleanse them. Thus the plan of salvation gives each person equal opportunity to live with God for eternity. How fair, loving, and merciful is our God!!

Matthew answered…

Mormons believe that as soon as a person dies, the spirit departs from the body, returning to that God who gave it life. In other words, we believe that there is a life after death. In addition to just existing after death, we believe that people will live much like they do now, in that we continue to learn, grow, and progress. How much we can learn and grow depends a lot on what we do here. Plus another gift that all will receive is a body that will never die or suffer the ills of mortality. What a gift!

Bart. answered…

We believe that the spirits of all humankind, as soon as they die are taken home to God who gave them life. And the spirits of the righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, and a state of peace. Here they will remain until the final judgement by our Savior Jesus Christ.

The spirits of the wicked, those who have chosen evil doings while in mortality, are cast out into outer darkness where they are under the influence of the devil.

Then, in the final resurrection, the souls of all shall be reunited with their mortal body, where will it be a restored to its proper and perfect frame.

The righteous will be consigned into a kingdom of God, depending on their obediencce and good works.

The wicked will be cast out and consigned to partake of the fruits of their labors because no unclean being can inheirit the kingdom of God.

Kathryn answered…

According to LDS doctrine, when the spirit leaves the body at death, it goes immediately to the Spirit World to await the resurrection, when it will be reunited with a new, perfected immortal body. The spirit is eternal and continues to be a cognizant entity, even when not inhabiting a physical body.

The Spirit World is not the same place as either Heaven or Hell. It is a sort of an intermediate destination. Heaven for most or Hell for a tiny minority will come later. The Spirit World is said to be comprised of two parts (states of existence), actually, as opposed to literal places. First, there is Paradise. It is a wonderful place of peace and rest where the righteous regardless of religion will reside. Jesus told the repentant thief who hung next to Him on the cross that He would see him in Paradise on that very day, and yet when He appeared to Mary on Easter morning, He told her not to touch Him since He had not yet gone to His Father in Heaven. Clearly then, Heaven and Paradise are not one and the same. Second there is the Spirit Prison. This is where the wicked will remain until they are resurrected. Christ in spirit form was said to have visited the spirits in prison during the three day period when His body lay in the tomb. While He was there, He preached His gospel to those who had not had the opportunity to hear it during their lifetimes. Even though two thousand years have passed since Christ’s ministry, millions of other people have lived and died without hearing the good news of His atoning sacrifice. Others have heard the news, but for one reason or another, were just not ready to accept it.

There is no scriptural basis for the common assumption among Christians that either Paradise or the Spirit Prison have since ceased to exist. There is every reason to believe that they continue to exist today as in the past. Besides, in Revelation, we are told that we will stand before God to be judged when Christ returns to Earth to begin His millennial reign. That would make no sense at all if we were already in Heaven and had been since the time of our death – unless, of course, we are to assume that God might want to change His mind after having us around awhile.

Christ will not personally be in Paradise, as He is once again with His Father in Heaven. His presence will be felt, though, by those in Paradise and the work of spreading His gospel will continue among the spirits who are waiting there for the Millennium to begin. The righteous who did not know of His gospel while on earth will have the opportunity to hear it during this period of time – which may be hundreds or thousands of years, depending upon when they died. Those who heard it but did not accept it during their life will have yet another opportunity to do so. Each of us is a product of our culture and environment. We have each had different life experiences. In the Spirit World, many of the factors that influenced our decisions in this life will no longer cloud our vision. We will be able to see things more clearly than we were able to while here on Earth, encumbered by so much baggage. God will make sure all of us have a truly equal chance to recognize and accept the truth we are taught, even if it is not until after we die.

With respect to those in the Spirit Prison, their wait will be considerably less pleasant. They will be fully aware of the misery they brought into the world. They will be wracked with guilt over their sins and will be tormented by the knowledge that they lived wicked and depraved lives. For them, the Spirit World will be hell-like. But it will not necessarily be a permanent state. The gospel of Jesus Christ will be taught to them too, spread by believers who are hopeful that they will respond to Christ’s gift of forgiveness. This is something they can still do at that time. God won’t close the door until they have been given every opportunity to repent of their sins and acknowledge that those sins can be forgiven as a result of His Son’s sacrifice. If they choose to sincerely repent, they too can be forgiven. This is not to say that they all will, but they will be given that opportunity. Eventually, “every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ.” Whether that confession will be accompanied by remorse for one's sins and gratitude for His sacrifice will be the determining factor for what happens next.

Eventually, everyone who has ever lived will stand before God to be judged and to be received into Heaven or condemned to Hell. As I’ve said on many, many occasions, we believe that the number of people condemned to Hell will be very few. Essentially, these people will be the ones who would prefer it that way. By far the largest majority of the billions of souls who have populated this earth over time will be welcomed into Heaven. The Latter-day Saints don’t see Heaven as a one-size-fits-all kind of place, though, nor do we believe the early Christians did.

In 2 Corinthians 12:2, we read: “I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, whether in the body, I cannot tell or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth such an one caught up to the third heaven.” Here we have a very definite reference to the fact that there is more than one Heaven or that Heaven is made up of more than one part.

In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul discusses the afterlife. In verses 40-42, he alludes to the doctrine of multiple kingdoms within Heaven when he says: “There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead.”

We believe not just based upon these two scriptures, but upon latter-day revelation that in addition to Hell there are at least three kingdoms or “Degrees of Glory” in Heaven. Joseph Smith and another early Latter-day Saint by the name of Sidney Rigdon were together when they were given visionary glimpse of what Heaven and Hell will be like. I’ll explain, as best I can, the circumstances that would lead to a person being sent to each of these places.

I’ll start with Hell, or “Outer Darkness.” As I already explained, the Spirit Prison part of the Spirit World will be a form of Hell, but one from which it is possible to be released through repentance and acceptance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is also a permanent Hell, but the only individuals who will spend eternity there are those who have committed the unpardonable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. Neither the Bible nor the uniquely LDS scriptures have a great deal to say about this particular sin, but according to LDS doctrine, the only individuals who could conceivably blaspheme against the Holy Ghost are those to whom He (the Holy Ghost) has given a perfect knowledge of the Father and the Son. Since we believe that God the Father and Jesus Christ personally appeared to Joseph Smith and spoke to him, Joseph would have been in a position to commit this unforgivable sin. Of course, he didn’t, but because of the knowledge that he was given, he could have done. His situation is almost unique in the history of the world, but there are others – Peter, James and John, for instance, who were witness to Christ's Transfiguration – who could have denied what they knew with absolute certainty to be true. At any rate, those who commit the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost will be sent to Hell. All others will go to Heaven, to receive at least a portion of God’s glory.

The lowest of the three heavenly kingdoms or degrees of glory is known as the Telestial Kingdom. It is the only one of the three to which Paul does not refer by name. He does, however, compare its glory to the glory of the stars. The Telestial Kingdom will be populated with the unrepentant sinners who, in spite of the fact that they did ultimately acknowledge Jesus to be the Christ, refused to accept His teachings or His atoning sacrifice on their behalf. They were too proud or too rebellious to care to commit themselves to Him in any way, and were willing to accept the consequences for their refusal. They will spend eternity as “servants of the Most High but where God and Christ dwell they cannot come…” Doctrine & Covenants 76:112. They will, however, feel the presence of the Holy Spirit throughout eternity and Joseph Smith said that even the glory of the Telestial Kingdom “surpasses all understanding.”

The middle of the three kingdoms is known as the Terrestrial Kingdom. Those who will spend eternity here are the good people of the Earth who lived as righteously as they knew how with the degree of knowledge they had while alive, but who – when given the opportunity to accept the “fulness of the gospel” in the Spirit World – were simply not interested. These were not wicked people, but they had little desire to learn what God wanted them to learn or to search for truth. They were complacent and less committed to their Savior than they might have been. Paul compared the glory of this kingdom to that of the moon. As there is a significant difference between the glory of the stars and the glory of the moon, there will also be a significant difference between a eternity spent in the Telestial Kingdom and one spent in the Terrestrial Kingdom.

The highest of the three kingdoms is known as the Celestial Kingdom, the kingdom where the glory is said to be like that of the sun. This glory far, far exceeds the glory of the other two kingdoms. This is the “Kingdom of God.” It is where God the Father is, and where His personal presence will be enjoyed forever. This kingdom is reserved for those who not only have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ but who fully embrace that gospel and strive to live according to His example, obeying His commandments to the best of their abilities. Included among those who will inherit the Celestial Kingdom will be those who heard and accepted the gospel while in Paradise. Conceivably, even some who “served time” in the Spirit Prison could have sufficiently repented to eventually attain the Celestial Kingdom.

The Celestial Kingdom and possibly the others -– we don’t know for sure -- is divided into three more kingdoms. Those who attain the highest degree of glory will receive the “Fulness of Salvation,” also referred to as “Exaltation.” For them, the potential for further progression is limitless. C.S. Lewis, obviously not LDS but the most frequently quoted non-LDS theologian by our Church leadership, had great insight into what exaltation is all about. Here’s what he said on the subject: “The command Be ye perfect is not idealistic gas. Nor is it a command to do the impossible. He is going to make us into creatures that can obey that command. He said in the Bible that we were “gods” and He is going to make good His words. If we let Him – for we can prevent Him, if we choose – He will make the feeblest and filthiest of us into a god or goddess, dazzling, radiant, immortal creature, pulsating all through with such energy and joy and wisdom and love as we cannot now imagine, a bright stainless mirror which reflects back to God perfectly though, of course, on a smaller scale His own boundless power and delight and goodness. The process will be long and in parts very painful but that is what we are in for. Nothing less. He meant what He said."

Troy answered…

I believe that the spirit of a person, that parts that makes someone who they are, separates from the physical body and enters the "Spirit World". In this world, all those who have lived and then died await the resurrection and final judgment. The Spirit World is an extension of our life here on Earth and continues to be a time for learning, growing, repenting, changing, loving and more.

Bill answered…

The Savior taught, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” If there were only two options, heaven and hell why would Jesus have used the term “many mansions”?

Paul, in his first epistle to the Corinthians taught of more than two possibilities after we die. He taught, “There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars:…”.

In addition to the celestial and terrestrial glories in verse 40, in verse 41 Paul mentions three distinct glories the sun, moon and the stars obviously referring to three possible states of glory. This concept of three glories or heavens is further supported when he testified that in a vision, he had been “….caught up to the third heaven.”. Also of note is his statement at the end of verse 41 “…for one star differeth from another star in glory.” This certainly implies that at least in the heaven that is comparable to the glory of the stars, there are “many mansions” of varying magnificence, just as each star differs from each other in brightness.

The Bible is clear that God loves us and that He sent His Son Jesus Christ, to show us the “…way, the truth, and the life…”. His Son has prepared “many mansions”, “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

Daniel answered…

We have a spirit and a body. Right now on earth, our spirit and body is combined.

When we die, our body and spirit separate - the body, as we all know, rots; and the spirit, which is eternal, continues on in what we call, the spirit world.

There, in the spirit world, we continue our lives as just spirits until it is time for us to be resurrected, where our spirit reunites once again with our body - this time in its prime, perfected state.

After resurrection comes the Final Judgement.

Tina answered…

We return to God, our Father in Heaven. We have an opportunity to live with Him eternally if we have lived a righteous life. We can also enjoy our family relationships forever if we have been married in the Temple and lived according to Gods commandments. Our Father wants to give us "all that God hath". In other words, he wants us to follow His commandments so that He can give us Eternal Life.

Courtney! answered…

We go back home to live with God again in heaven. Life doesn't start when a person is born and it certainly doesn't end when a person passes away. Every person's individual life stretches far back before birth, and far beyond mortal death. Life on earth is just a tiny part of life as a whole.
I'm grateful for that.

Jonathan answered…

Because of heavenly fathers plan, we know that death is a step closer to becoming like our heavenly father. At death our spirits are taken to the spirit world where they rest until the resurrection. The spirit world is a place where we are free from our cares, and afflictions.

Stephen answered…

This is one of the most beautiful points of the doctrine. We believe that after we die we arrive at a place called the Spirit World. Here we do not have our bodies because we are waiting for the resurrection. It is also here where everyone who did not have the chance to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, will now have the chance! After being taught the Gospel they have the opportunity to accept or reject it. If they accept it and follow through with all that Christ asked of them then they will have the opportunity to live in God's presence for eternity with everyone that they love. Those who accept the Gospel, but don't do everything that Christ asks will end up in the Terrestial Kingdom, which isn't as good as the Celestial Kingdom, but is decent. Then there are those who accept the Gospel, but don't do anything that Christ asks of them and they go to the Telestial Kingdom, which is an okay kingdom, but no where near as good as the Celestial Kingdom. 

Grant answered…

The after-life is an interesting proposition. The older we become, the more experience we have with friends and loved ones who pass on. A friend of mine went to 7 funerals in a 10-day period of time. The passing of loved ones usually causes us to stop and reflect about what comes next. Is it just "over" "done" "finished" "that's it" "gone forever"? Or is there really something more, and what will it be like?
The most basic concept is that our spirits are eternal. Our mortal body is a temporary housing for the spirit that grew and developed in the presence of our Father in Heaven before we came to earth life. When we die, we lay our mortal body aside for a time, to await the resurrection. But our spirit, comprised of more refined elements of matter, lives on.
When the spirit leaves the body, the spirit form of our entity goes to a place that for lack of a more apt term we call the Spirit World. This too is a temporary place in our progress and development into eternal beings. We carry there everything we have become while we had our bodies - our personalities, our preferences, our memories of earthly experiences, our traits we developed while we were here, our knowledge and education, our lessons from life and all the other attributes that helped define us on earth. We merely transition from a physical state to a spiritual state of being, for a relatively short period of time.
Our experience in the Spirit World will end with our resurrection. Our physical body will be reunited with our spirits once again. The resurrected body will be immortal – not subject to infirmity, fatigue, disease, aging, injury or death. The resurrection is made possible through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is His gift to every person who ever lived on this planet. Regardless of our performance on earth, all will eventually be resurrected. “As in Adam all die,” meaning mankind became subject to physical death by the mortality of father Adam, “even so in Christ shall all be made alive” meaning the resurrection will apply to everyone. 1 Corinthians 1522
The Spirit World serves two basic purposes, while awaiting the resurrection. First, for some people and to varying extents, the Spirit World is an extension of our probationary period on earth. Some people never had an adequate opportunity to understand the gospel of Jesus Christ on this earth. Of the estimated 75 billion inhabitants of earth to date, some never heard the name of Jesus Christ from the time of their birth until their death. Some lived in cultures so fixed and controlled as to prevent any consideration of accepting the gospel of Christ. In order for our Father to be a fair and just God, every living soul must receive an adequate opportunity to make a decision about Jesus Christ and his teaching. Thus the Spirit World is a place of learning about Christ, unfettered by the encumbrances of physical mortality environment, indoctrinations, repressive cultures, etc..
Some spirits there will be teachers of the truth to those who did not yet have the chance to hear the message. Others will be students, evaluating concepts and ideas, exercising faith unto repentance and attempting to change their beliefs, their attitudes, their expectations and their character to align themselves with Jesus Christ. The process of conversion to the doctrines of Christ continues throughout the Spirit World attempting to bring all who are willing into the fold of righteous believers.
The second purpose of the Spirit World is that of reconciliation, another word for repentance. Many of us will realize in the Spirit World that while we were on earth we made some wrong choices. We had rationalized our behavior as being OK and now we realize we need to make recompense. This will be a time of struggle and agony of spirit in regard to reconciling our lives we actually lived to the life we could have and should have lived. It will be worse for some than others. But through it all, the offer of the atonement of Christ is offered as a balm and solution to end the remorse and suffering of the spirit. As people come to comprehend Christ and embrace his teachings, their suffering can be diminished. Our Spirit World experience ends, by definition, at the time of our resurrection.
The timing of our resurrection will depend on our progress in the Spirit World to achieve our ultimate character and condition through repentance. It will be a longer wait for some than others. Those who are ready will be resurrected at the Second Coming of Christ to live and reign on mortal earth for the period of the millennium. For others, the resurrection will occur at the end of the millennium. Eventually we will all be reunited with our bodies and prepared for our eternal state.
Many people may wonder about the purpose of the millennium when Christ is on the earth for a thousand years and Satan is constrained and unable to influence daily life of those on earth. It will be a time of great joy and righteous living, without sin and malice. But some ask why, what’s the point? What will be happening during the millennium?
The millennium is a vital period of time for Christ to finish his work on the earth. Remember that there are billions of spirits receiving the message of Christ’s doctrine in the Spirit World. And like us, in order for their progress to be complete, they too must have the physical ordinances of baptism, confirmation and eternal marriage. But spirits are comprised of matter too fine to permit a physical ordinance to take place. Thus, the physical ordinances can only occur on mortal earth vicariously, with other people acting for and in behalf of the converted spirits. This will be the great work of the millennium.
The atonement of Christ was a vicarious act on our behalf. He suffered for and in behalf of those who by their faith wish to accept His payment for our sins. Likewise, we mortals can perform the physical ordinances i.e. baptism required for salvation for and in behalf of those who are in the Spirit World. This practice was instituted when Christ was on the earth. Paul was attempting to teach the doctrine of the resurrection to the Corinthians, and referred to vicarious baptism when he said “else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all?” 1 Corinthians 1529
Eventually we all come to our judgment day before our Father in Heaven. This is the day on which the stature of our souls will be seen by a perfectly just and loving God, and we will be assigned to live eternally according to our expectations. For those who had no faith and expected no life after death, the mere being alive and resurrected will be pleasure enough. For those whose beliefs envision a life with Christ forever, it will be as they merit. For others with yet greater faith and expectation, eternal life will be united with families forever, husbands and wives for “time and eternity.”
This latter state of eternal families can only be achieved through the ordinances of the temple in the Church of Jesus Christ. And again, that option is a matter of faith. Those who have the faith necessary to conform their lives to live the teachings of Christ which are necessary to gain admittance to the temple are the only ones who receive the blessings of those eternal temple ordinances. Paul again explained to the Corinthians that in the resurrection “there is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon and another glory of the stars.” 1 Corinthians 1541-42.
In the end, when all is said and done forever we will know without any doubt that our loving Father in Heaven provided us all with an ample and complete opportunity to partake of the richness of His eternal presence. We will all have an absolute conviction that our eternal condition is reflective of our capabilities and conformance to His laws. And we will know beyond any doubt that every soul who lived on earth has had more than adequate opportunity to accept and embrace the message of Jesus Christ.
Providing an equal opportunity for all mankind to believe in Christ is one of the most unique aspects of the Mormon belief about life after death. And thus it is that leaving mortal life is not an event of finality but merely a transition to the next and greater phase in our progress to return to our Father who send us here to begin with. What a glorious reunion that will be. 

Dave answered…

Our use of agency will determine where we go. If we have chosen righteousness, we go to a place of peace and rest. On the other hand, if we have not chosen righteousness, we go to a place of sorrow for a time. Those who are unhappy are taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ and are given the opportunity to enter into a state of peace, rest, and joy. Our spirits and perfected bodies are then reunited and we are glorified according to our works and desires. Those who have accepted the Gospel and lived it to its fullest are granted eternal progression, incomprehendible joy, and everlasting life!

Deena answered…

I am so thankful for the Savior, Jesus Christ, who overcame death that we can also gain eternal life. I know that death does not end our existence, and that our spirits are eternal beings. I know that we will again meet our loved ones beyond this mortal existence here on earth. I know that those who lived here on earth, however brief or long their lives, will greet us on the other side of the veil.

Kristy Lynne answered…

Our mortal bodies die after this frail existence, everyone knows that, but our spirit is eternal.

"Every person is literally a son or a daughter of God, having been born as a spirit to Heavenly Parents previous to being born to mortal parents on the earth. Thus each one of us is a dual being: an immortal spirit body, clothed with a body of flesh and bone. As defined in scripture, the spirit and the body constitute the moral soul. A spirit can live independent of a body, but the body cannot live without the spirit. In the resurrection, the immortal spirit is reunited with the same body of flesh and bone it possessed as a mortal, with two major differeces: The union will be permanent, and the body will not be subject to aging and death." -Bible Dictionary-King James Version

After we leave this clay tabernacle we go to either Spirit Paradise or Spirit Prison. by our actions we CHOSE the one we wanted to go to. "And may the Lord grant unto you repentance, that ye may not bring down his wrath upon you, that ye may not be bound down by the chains of hell, that ye may not suffer the second death." Alma 13:30

He wants us to be happy and return to Him.
Heavenly Father has commanded that we are to choose for ourselves.

If family names are submitted to the temple deceased persons have the opportunity of accepting temple ordinances. It is such a blessing to perform those ordinances and feel the powerful Spirit as spirits choose to receive them.

Philip Loh answered…

After we die, though our physical body is buried, our spirit will live on and go to a place called Spirit World. Death is not the end; it's a new beginning for our spirit. This spirit of ours will continue to learn and progress. If we live righteously and have accepted Christ, we will live a better life and will continue to be involved in his work. If we don't, we will be punished for our sins and continue to learn to repent.

The day will come that our body and our spirit will be reunited as a resurrected body to meet Christ. We will face with a new life, having a perfected body, for the eternity. As Christ is resurrected, we will be resurrected as this is His gift for us. He loves us and through Him, we are given a new life. Therefore, it is important that we follow Him so that we can live a celestial life crowned with immortality and eternal life, living in the presence of God and Jesus Christ.

Rach answered…

We believe in a beautiful plan called the Plan of Happiness, or the Plan of Salvation. We believe that we are literally spirit children of God. We lived with Him before we came to Earth. We came here to get a physical body, to learn and to grow and overcome challenges and develop more faith in Jesus Christ. After this life we can return to live with God again= our loving Heavenly Father. Of course He won't force us to choose the right and follow Jesus, but as we do so, we will be blessed beyond our wildest dreams, and we will be happy. Truely happy. AND, if we humbly, consistently, obediently follow the example and teachings and covenants of Jesus Christ in this life, then after we die we will eventually be able to return to be with our family and loved ones again, and be with God too, and we will be happy FOREVER. :)

Chris answered…

After we die, we live as spirits in what we call the ‘Spirit World’. In this world, we all exist in either one of two ways, in happiness or in sadness. As spirits, we will live in memory of our mortal lives, and if we are proud of the life we have lived, if we are happy with our decisions in life, then we live in happiness. This is called ‘Spirit Paradise’, or sometimes ‘heaven’ or ‘Abraham’s Bosom’. Those that remember their lives in shame and sadness exist that way as a spirit in what is called ‘Spirit Prison’. This is sometimes called ‘The Gall of Bitterness’ or ‘Hell’. As spirits, we associate and communicate and live much like we do in mortality. There is a lot of work to be done, and people are very busy in the Spirit World. Also, because we are spirits, we perceive things slightly differently. There are beautiful colors and wondrous scenes in the Spirit World, much like there is in this world but of a different kind. Those that enjoy the beauty of this world will appreciate the whole new panorama of experiences and beauties.

After the Spirit World, we are resurrected and judged. There are three different types of resurrected body we could get. One is called Telestial, and is glorified like unto the stars. Those with this type of glorified body live together in what is called the Telestial Kingdom. These bodies live forever and will never die. They never contract disease or are harmed, and are perfect. Those who were lame will walk, those who were blind will see, those who lost limbs will be restored. These bodies are glorious and live in a state of happiness. Another possibility is a Terrestrial body. Those with this kind of resurrected body live together in the Terrestrial Kingdom in a state of happiness and glory like the Moon. Just as the Moon is brighter than the stars, Terrestrial bodies have more glory and live in greater happiness. The last possibility is a Celestial body. These bodies live in happiness and have glory like the Sun compared to the Moon and stars. God has a Celestial body, and those with a Celestial body will live with Him in the Celestial Kingdom.

Each of these three kingdoms live in happiness and are kingdoms of glory. Every person will go to which ever kingdom they want most. After this resurrection, we will go on with our new immortal bodies and continue to learn and grow and live in happiness.

Kelly Ann answered…

Our bodies and spirits seperate and our spirits go to a prepared place to await resurrection (being reunited with their perfected body) and judgement for works done on the earth. We beleive these waiting spirits still have agency and there is still work going on to share the gospel with those who have not had it. We here on the earth are able to go to the temple and do work for the dead so that if they accept the gospel they can still recieve the ordinances necessary to live with Heavenly Father & their families again.

Chelsey answered…

We believe that life continues for us after our physical body dies. Death is not the end of our life, and because we have this knowledge, we do not view death as the end of our relationship with our loved ones who have passed on. Eventually, everyone's physical body will die, but we believe that what makes us individuals is not only our physical body, but our spirit as well. Once our body dies, our spirit continues to live and learn and grow in the spirit world after this life. As Mormons, our ultimate goal is to obtain eternal life and to live with God again, and so death is a natural step required for us to progress and to become more like Him so that we are worthy to live with Him.

@ine answered…

We believe that after we die, our souls place in the spirit world w/c in the spirit world we wait until the second coming & until we judge & resurrect.  

Tiffany answered…

We believe in life after death. Death is not an end, but a step towards our Father in Heaven. His plan for us is to be together as families forever. When we die, our body and spirit separate for a time. Our spirit continues to grow and learn. We can be with our family and friends that have passed on before us. Though our mortal body may die in this life, we believe that we will be resurrected and our spirit will be reunited with our bodies. Once reunited with our bodies, we will never be separated again. I have a testimony that Christ's death and resurrection makes this possible. We can be eternal families.

Nicole answered…

One of the greatest comforts I find in living now is to know that there is a purpose to being here because there is something afterwards. Death is not so scary when we know that we will be with our family again. That after death we continue to grow and learn and become more like God who loves us like we love our children, if not more. As a parent I want the best for my children. I want their lives to be better than mine. I believe God loves similarly and wants us to be like Him and with Him. Life here on earth is just a part of the journey that we will continue after we die. We will love, give, teach, help, etc. much like we do now, but just a little differently after we die.

Joe answered…

Just like most people, Mormons don't know all the details of what happens to us after we die. However, we believe that this life is a period in the middle of an eternal existence that allows our souls opportunity to grow spiritually. We believe we are spiritual children of a perfectly loving God who will reward us after this life as much as eternal laws will allow depending upon our faithfulness in this life. The light of Christ is given to all men and women born on this earth to help us know good from evil. As much as we follow what we are led to believe is good will rise with us to our blessing after we die. As much as we are unable to completely learn in this earth life where we are shielded from God we will have opportunity to learn after this life and will have equal opportunity to follow or reject what is good and right.

Jody answered…

When I was 20 years old, I lost a brother while he was serving a mission. The experience was unexpected and hard. However, because of my growing faith, I knew I would see him again. Because of this experience, my faith and knowledge of our Heavenly Father's plan of salvation became clearer and clearer. I knew that even though I couldn't see the completed "distant scene", I could still walk a step at a time toward His light. If I did that, I would be led to His and my brother's presence again.

Abbey answered…

After our spiritual creation, our spirits remain immortal for eternity. Our spirits are joined at birth to a mortal physical body. Those who worshipped the God of Israel, honored Jesus, obeyed the gospel, and were faithful and obedient to the will of God spend the time between death and the resurrection with all saints of God—in the bosom of Abraham. All men will be saved—receive an immortal, physical body—in either the resurrection of the just, or the resurrection of the unjust. Saints of God will receive their immortal, physical bodies at the first resurrection and live with Jesus on the earth for the Sabbath of Creation. After death, all others live with the spirits in prison (hell) until the resurrection of the unjust. Those honorable men of the earth that accept the gospel in the spirit will also inherit the earth with the saints for the Millennium. The faithful and obedient have the great hope of living on the earth for eternity with the Father and Jesus in the celestial glory.

Greg answered…

I don't think we go very far away at all. I think we stay very involved in the lives of our families, and I think we stay very busy!

Braden Scothern answered…

We know that after we die we have just taken another step in our Heavenly Father's plan. Our spirits go to a place called the spirit world. We are same person there. If we are happy and righteous here, we will continue to be so in the spirit world.

It is the duty of those who are in this state of rest and joy (because they lived the Gospel of Jesus Christ) to help those who have not learned the Gospel of the Savior. They teach them and help them receive the blessings of the Atonement (Jesus Christ's infinite sacrifice for all of us). As they accept Jesus Christ they too may rest and receive the happiness our Heavenly Father wishes to give us.

Eventually we will all be resurrected and receive perfect immortal bodies. This is because Jesus Christ loosed the bands of death. When we are resurrected we will never die again.

At this point after death we receive one of the "many mansions" in our Heavenly Fathers house (John 14:2). There is far more than heaven and hell, otherwise why would the Savior say such a thing? We learn more about these mansions in 1 Corinthians 15:40-42. Paul and the other Apostles knew and understood that we would all receive a place of comfort according to our obedience to God's laws. This is why we will be judged according to our works (Revelation 20:12-13). Those who have been made clean by accepting Christ's infinite sacrifice (here or in the spirit world) will be with God in the Celestial Kingdom and experience eternal life.

TANNER T. WEST answered…

Death is a happy thing in this life its not the end at all. Our Father in Heaven sent us down here to obtain a physical body and establish a family. His plan is for us to return to him and live in his presence with our families again.
First after death we are sent to 2 spirit worlds where we will live as spirits (1peter 3:18-19). The first world is called Paradise which is for the obedient people and the other is Spirit Prison which is for the disobedient. In the spirit world the people that live in paradise will go teach the doctrine of christ in spirit prison in order for them to recieve baptism and be able to repent.
Then comes the day when we all are judged of how well we have kept the commandments and we will be resurrected in that day with our spirits and our bodies united (1Corinthians 15:20-23). We will be judged on which Kingdom to go to. There are 3 kingdoms in order from the most happy to sad the first is the Celestial Kingdom, is where we can live with our families and with God forever in a state or happiness; then there is Terrestrial Kingdom, and then Telestial Kingdom which both arnt as happy as the Celestial Kingdom. And in these kingdoms is where we will live forever. (1 corinthians 15:40-42

David Trabanino answered…

 We believe in life after death. When we die our spirits separate from our bodies. Our spirits go to a place called the Spirit World. The Spirit world is a place of waiting until we are resurrected The reunion of an immortal body and the spirit, a paradise for the just, and a prison for the unjust. Missionary work occurs in the Spirit World. Jesus Christ resurrection is a testimony that all of us will be resurrected one day thanks to Him and we will be brought to His presence to be judged according to that which we have received/done. We believe that the Kingdom of God has degrees of glory. Once we have been judge by Christ, the three known degrees of glory that a man can inherit are Celestial, Terrestial and Telestial. Those who don't have part in the Kingdom of God will be part of the outer Darkness where Satan and his followers dwell.