askandanswer Posted April 19, 2015 Report Share Posted April 19, 2015 The fact that, as spirits in the pre-existence, we rejoiced so much at the Plan of Salvation, even though we knew, or should have known, that most of us would fail to achieve the ultimate goal of that Plan, suggest that even the worst possible outcome under the Plan, with the exception of Outer Darkness, was a better outcome than our continued existence as pre-mortal spirits. Is this a valid conclusion? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james12 Posted April 19, 2015 Report Share Posted April 19, 2015 Another good question. The scriptures do say, "They are they who are the sons of perdition, of whom I say that it had been better for them never to have been born" (D&C 76:32). But I do not conclude from that scripture that it is better for everyone else to have taken a mortal body. Why? Because to believe this implies that everyone else improved their standing while here in mortality, and this is not the case. Rather, even though some (perhaps many) have retrogressed in mortality they have not given up the opportunity to progress in the future. They will move on and have further opportunity to grow and improve. But the sons of perdition have rejected progression. They are vessels of wrath and the breadth and depth of their fall is not made known to man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackmarch Posted April 21, 2015 Report Share Posted April 21, 2015 The fact that, as spirits in the pre-existence, we rejoiced so much at the Plan of Salvation, even though we knew, or should have known, that most of us would fail to achieve the ultimate goal of that Plan, suggest that even the worst possible outcome under the Plan, with the exception of Outer Darkness, was a better outcome than our continued existence as pre-mortal spirits. Is this a valid conclusion?it was probably known that there ould be many who would but I doubt I would say most.even achieving the lowest kingdom is still a success, its just not the greatest one can achieve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ether-ore Posted April 21, 2015 Report Share Posted April 21, 2015 I think you are correct. My understanding is that even the Telestial Kingdom is a step up from what was had in the pre-existence. For one (obvious) thing, physical bodies will be had. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 21, 2015 Report Share Posted April 21, 2015 The fact that, as spirits in the pre-existence, we rejoiced so much at the Plan of Salvation, even though we knew, or should have known, that most of us would fail to achieve the ultimate goal of that Plan, suggest that even the worst possible outcome under the Plan, with the exception of Outer Darkness, was a better outcome than our continued existence as pre-mortal spirits. Is this a valid conclusion? We needed knowledge to be able to progress. It's just like saying - Is failing High School a better outcome than staying in Kindergarten... know what I mean? It's not a comparison - our spirits couldn't stay stagnant. We had to progress to be as God is. When we heard of the plan to separate from God to gain knowledge, we despaired because it introduced the possibility of sin... a condition by which our spirits cannot go back to God. It wasn't until we were presented with a Savior that we rejoiced because then the possibility of sin is atoned such that we can get back to God. So - we gain knowledge (progress) and can still qualify to get back to God. Even if we utterly fail our mortal probation, we still gain knowledge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palerider Posted April 22, 2015 Report Share Posted April 22, 2015 The Plan of Salvation .... I like to call it The Plan of Happiness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tubaloth Posted April 22, 2015 Report Share Posted April 22, 2015 We couldn't progress anymore in pre-mortal life. We needed a body to move forward. We need the plan of salvation (Creation/Body, Fall, Atonement) to fully move forward. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Traveler Posted April 22, 2015 Report Share Posted April 22, 2015 I would add one aspect that I believe is missing - It is the element of agency. The Plan of Salvation awarded us the greatest possible gift of eternity for an intelligent sentient entity – the power, condition and ability to choose for ourselves, with full knowledge and understanding -- Good or Evil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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