(Dallin H. Oaks, “Apostasy and Restoration,” Ensign, May 1995, 84)
In their final judgment, the children of God will be assigned to a kingdom of glory for which their obedience has qualified them. In his letters to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul described these places. He told of a vision in which he was “caught up to the third heaven” and “heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter” (2 Cor. 12:2, 4). Speaking of the resurrection of the dead, he described “celestial bodies,” “bodies terrestrial” (1 Cor. 15:40), and “bodies telestial” (JST, 1 Cor. 15:40), each pertaining to a different degree of glory. He likened these different glories to the sun, to the moon, and to different stars (see 1 Cor. 15:41).
The Celestial Kingdom
In their final judgment, the children of God will be assigned to a kingdom of glory for which their obedience has qualified them. In his letters to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul described these places. He told of a vision in which he was “caught up to the third heaven” and “heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter” (2 Cor. 12:2, 4). Speaking of the resurrection of the dead, he described “celestial bodies,” “bodies terrestrial” (1 Cor. 15:40), and “bodies telestial” (JST, 1 Cor. 15:40), each pertaining to a different degree of glory. He likened these different glories to the sun, to the moon, and to different stars (see 1 Cor. 15:41).
The Celestial Kingdom
(“Kingdoms of Glory,” True to the Faith, (2004),92–95)
In January 1836 the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation that expanded his understanding of the requirements to inherit celestial glory. The heavens were opened to him, and he saw the celestial kingdom. He marveled when he saw his older brother Alvin there, even though Alvin had died before receiving the ordinance of baptism. (See D&C 137:1–6.) Then the voice of the Lord came to the Prophet Joseph:
“All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;
“Also all t
hat shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;
“For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts” (D&C 137:7–9).
Commenting on this revelation, the Prophet Joseph said, “I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven” (D&C 137:10).
From another revelation to the Prophet Joseph, we learn that there are three degrees within the celestial kingdom. To be exalted in the highest degree and continue eternally in family relationships, we must enter into “the new and everlasting covenant of marriage” and be true to that covenant. In other words, temple marriage is a requirement for obtaining the highest degree of celestial glory. (See D&C 131:1–4.) All who are worthy to enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage will have that opportunity, whether in this life or the next.
In January 1836 the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation that expanded his understanding of the requirements to inherit celestial glory. The heavens were opened to him, and he saw the celestial kingdom. He marveled when he saw his older brother Alvin there, even though Alvin had died before receiving the ordinance of baptism. (See D&C 137:1–6.) Then the voice of the Lord came to the Prophet Joseph:
“All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;
“Also all t
hat shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom; “For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts” (D&C 137:7–9).
Commenting on this revelation, the Prophet Joseph said, “I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven” (D&C 137:10).
From another revelation to the Prophet Joseph, we learn that there are three degrees within the celestial kingdom. To be exalted in the highest degree and continue eternally in family relationships, we must enter into “the new and everlasting covenant of marriage” and be true to that covenant. In other words, temple marriage is a requirement for obtaining the highest degree of celestial glory. (See D&C 131:1–4.) All who are worthy to enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage will have that opportunity, whether in this life or the next.
(B. Renato Maldonado, “Messages from the Doctrine and Covenants: The Three Degrees of Glory,” Ensign, Apr 2005, 62–65)
The Lord compared celestial glory to that of the sun, “even the glory of God, the highest of all” (D&C 76:70; see also D&C 76:96). Those who will inherit this kingdom must do the following:
• Receive a testimony of Jesus and believe on His name (see D&C 76:51).
• Be baptized by immersion (see D&C 76:51).
• Receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (see D&C 76:52).
• Obey the commandments and be washed and cleansed of all sins (see D&C 76:52).
• Overcome by faith (see D&C 76:53).
• Be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise (see D&C 76:53).
Those who qualify for the celestial kingdom will receive, among other blessings:
• Be of a company of angels, of the general assembly and church of Enoch and of the Firstborn (see D&C 76:54, 67).
• Receive the fulness, glory, and grace of the Father (see D&C 76:55, 56, 94).
• Be priests and kings of the Most High God (see D&C 76:56–59).
• Overcome all things (see D&C 76:60).
• Dwell forever in the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ (see D&C 76:62).
• Be with Christ at the time of His Second Coming (see D&C 76:63).
• Come forth in the First Resurrection (see D&C 76:64–65).
• Go up unto Mount Zion and unto the heavenly city of God (see D&C 76:66).
• Minister to terrestrial and telestial beings (see D&C 76:87–88).
• Be able to have offspring, or in other words, gain the right to become eternal parents (see D&C 131:4).
(“Chapter 36: Eternal Life,” Gospel Fundamentals, 201)
This is the place where our Father in Heaven and Jesus live. It is a place where people will be happy, and it will be more beautiful than we can imagine. The people who will live in this kingdom will love our Father in Heaven and Jesus and will choose to obey Them. They must have repented of all their sins and must have accepted Jesus as their Savior. They must have been baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. They must have a testimony from the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Savior. To live in the highest part of the celestial kingdom is called exaltation* or eternal life. To be able to live in this part of the celestial kingdom, people must have been married in the temple and must have kept the sacred promises they made in the temple. They will receive everything our Father in Heaven has and will become like Him. They will even be able to have spirit children and make new worlds for them to live on, and do all the things our Father in Heaven has done. People who are not married in the temple may live in other parts of the celestial kingdom, but they will not be exalted.
(Dallin H. Oaks, “Apostasy and Restoration,” Ensign, May 1995, 84)
In contrast to traditional Christianity, we join with Paul in affirming the existence of a third or higher heaven. Modern revelation describes it as the celestial kingdom—the abode of those “whose bodies are celestial, whose glory is that of the sun, even the glory of God” (D&C 76:70). Those who qualify for this kingdom of glory “shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever” (D&C 76:62). Those who have met the highest requirements for this kingdom, including faithfulness to covenants made in a temple of God and marriage for eternity, will be exalted to the godlike state referred to as the “fulness” of the Father or eternal life (D&C 76:56, 94; see also D&C 131; D&C 132:19–20). (This destiny of eternal life or God’s life should be familiar to all who have studied the ancient Christian doctrine of and belief in deification or apotheosis.) For us, eternal life is not a mystical union with an incomprehensible spirit-god. Eternal life is family life with a loving Father in Heaven and with our progenitors and our posterity.
The Terrestrial Kingdom
The Lord compared celestial glory to that of the sun, “even the glory of God, the highest of all” (D&C 76:70; see also D&C 76:96). Those who will inherit this kingdom must do the following:
• Receive a testimony of Jesus and believe on His name (see D&C 76:51).
• Be baptized by immersion (see D&C 76:51).
• Receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (see D&C 76:52).
• Obey the commandments and be washed and cleansed of all sins (see D&C 76:52).
• Overcome by faith (see D&C 76:53).
• Be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise (see D&C 76:53).
Those who qualify for the celestial kingdom will receive, among other blessings:
• Be of a company of angels, of the general assembly and church of Enoch and of the Firstborn (see D&C 76:54, 67).
• Receive the fulness, glory, and grace of the Father (see D&C 76:55, 56, 94).
• Be priests and kings of the Most High God (see D&C 76:56–59).
• Overcome all things (see D&C 76:60).
• Dwell forever in the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ (see D&C 76:62).
• Be with Christ at the time of His Second Coming (see D&C 76:63).
• Come forth in the First Resurrection (see D&C 76:64–65).
• Go up unto Mount Zion and unto the heavenly city of God (see D&C 76:66).
• Minister to terrestrial and telestial beings (see D&C 76:87–88).
• Be able to have offspring, or in other words, gain the right to become eternal parents (see D&C 131:4).
(“Chapter 36: Eternal Life,” Gospel Fundamentals, 201)
This is the place where our Father in Heaven and Jesus live. It is a place where people will be happy, and it will be more beautiful than we can imagine. The people who will live in this kingdom will love our Father in Heaven and Jesus and will choose to obey Them. They must have repented of all their sins and must have accepted Jesus as their Savior. They must have been baptized and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. They must have a testimony from the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Savior. To live in the highest part of the celestial kingdom is called exaltation* or eternal life. To be able to live in this part of the celestial kingdom, people must have been married in the temple and must have kept the sacred promises they made in the temple. They will receive everything our Father in Heaven has and will become like Him. They will even be able to have spirit children and make new worlds for them to live on, and do all the things our Father in Heaven has done. People who are not married in the temple may live in other parts of the celestial kingdom, but they will not be exalted.
(Dallin H. Oaks, “Apostasy and Restoration,” Ensign, May 1995, 84)
In contrast to traditional Christianity, we join with Paul in affirming the existence of a third or higher heaven. Modern revelation describes it as the celestial kingdom—the abode of those “whose bodies are celestial, whose glory is that of the sun, even the glory of God” (D&C 76:70). Those who qualify for this kingdom of glory “shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever” (D&C 76:62). Those who have met the highest requirements for this kingdom, including faithfulness to covenants made in a temple of God and marriage for eternity, will be exalted to the godlike state referred to as the “fulness” of the Father or eternal life (D&C 76:56, 94; see also D&C 131; D&C 132:19–20). (This destiny of eternal life or God’s life should be familiar to all who have studied the ancient Christian doctrine of and belief in deification or apotheosis.) For us, eternal life is not a mystical union with an incomprehensible spirit-god. Eternal life is family life with a loving Father in Heaven and with our progenitors and our posterity.
The Terrestrial Kingdom
(“Kingdoms of Glory,” True to the Faith, (2004),92–95)
Those who inherit terrestrial glory will “receive of the presence of the Son, but not of the fulness of the Father. Wherefore, they are bodies terrestrial, and not bodies celestial, and differ in glory as the moon differs from the sun” (D&C 76:77–78). Generally speaking, individuals in the terrestrial kingdom will be honorable people “who were blinded by the craftiness 
of men” (76:75). This group will include members of the Church who were “not valiant in the testimony of Jesus” (D&C 76:79). It will also include those who rejected the opportunity to receive the gospel in mortality but who later received it in the postmortal spirit world (see D&C 76:73–74). To learn more about those who will inherit terrestrial glory, see Doctrine and Covenants 76:71–80, 91, 97.
of men” (76:75). This group will include members of the Church who were “not valiant in the testimony of Jesus” (D&C 76:79). It will also include those who rejected the opportunity to receive the gospel in mortality but who later received it in the postmortal spirit world (see D&C 76:73–74). To learn more about those who will inherit terrestrial glory, see Doctrine and Covenants 76:71–80, 91, 97.(B. Renato Maldonado, “Messages from the Doctrine and Covenants: The Three Degrees of Glory,” Ensign, Apr 2005, 62–65) The Lord compared terrestrial glory to that of the moon (see D&C 76:97). It exceeds the telestial in all things (see D&C 76:91). Those who will inherit this kingdom are those who experienced one or more of the following circumstances:
• Died without law (see D&C 76:72).
• Were in spirit prison and received a testimony there but rejected the testimony of Jesus while on the earth (see D&C 76:73–74; see also D&C 138:32).
• Were honorable people who allowed themselves to be blinded by the craftiness of men (see D&C 76:75).
• Were not valiant in their testimonies of Jesus (see D&C 76:79).
Among other blessings and limitations, those who qualify for the terrestrial kingdom will:
• Come forth in the First Resurrection after celestial beings are resurrected. 2
• Receive of God’s glory but not His fulness (see D&C 76:76).
• Enjoy the presence of the Son but not the fulness of the Father (see D&C 76:77).
• Not be able to obtain a crown in the kingdom of God (see D&C 76:79).
• Be ministered to by celestial beings (see D&C 76:87).
(“Chapter 36: Eternal Life,” Gospel Fundamentals, 201)
This kingdom is not as wonderful as the celestial kingdom. Even though Jesus will visit the terrestrial kingdom, those who live there will not live with our Father in Heaven, and they will not have all He has. Those who go to the terrestrial kingdom will be honorable people. Some of them will be members of the Church, and others will not. They will be those who did not accept Jesus on earth but later accepted Him in the spirit world. The people who will live there will not be part of an eternal family but will live separately, without families. Our Father in Heaven will give these people the happiness they are prepared to receive.
(Dallin H. Oaks, “Apostasy and Restoration,” Ensign, May 1995, 84)
The [terrestrial degree of glory], “excels in all things the glory of the telestial, even in glory, and in power, and in might, and in dominion” (D&C 76:91). The terrestrial is the abode of those who were the “honorable men of the earth” (D&C 76:75). Its most distinguishing feature is that those who qualify for terrestrial glory “receive of the presence of the Son” (D&C 76:77). Concepts familiar to all Christians might liken this higher kingdom to heaven because it has the presence of the Son.
The Telestial Kingdom
(“Kingdoms of Glory,” True to the Faith, (2004),92–95)
• Died without law (see D&C 76:72).
• Were in spirit prison and received a testimony there but rejected the testimony of Jesus while on the earth (see D&C 76:73–74; see also D&C 138:32).
• Were honorable people who allowed themselves to be blinded by the craftiness of men (see D&C 76:75).
• Were not valiant in their testimonies of Jesus (see D&C 76:79).
Among other blessings and limitations, those who qualify for the terrestrial kingdom will:
• Come forth in the First Resurrection after celestial beings are resurrected. 2
• Receive of God’s glory but not His fulness (see D&C 76:76).
• Enjoy the presence of the Son but not the fulness of the Father (see D&C 76:77).
• Not be able to obtain a crown in the kingdom of God (see D&C 76:79).
• Be ministered to by celestial beings (see D&C 76:87).
(“Chapter 36: Eternal Life,” Gospel Fundamentals, 201)
This kingdom is not as wonderful as the celestial kingdom. Even though Jesus will visit the terrestrial kingdom, those who live there will not live with our Father in Heaven, and they will not have all He has. Those who go to the terrestrial kingdom will be honorable people. Some of them will be members of the Church, and others will not. They will be those who did not accept Jesus on earth but later accepted Him in the spirit world. The people who will live there will not be part of an eternal family but will live separately, without families. Our Father in Heaven will give these people the happiness they are prepared to receive.
(Dallin H. Oaks, “Apostasy and Restoration,” Ensign, May 1995, 84)
The [terrestrial degree of glory], “excels in all things the glory of the telestial, even in glory, and in power, and in might, and in dominion” (D&C 76:91). The terrestrial is the abode of those who were the “honorable men of the earth” (D&C 76:75). Its most distinguishing feature is that those who qualify for terrestrial glory “receive of the presence of the Son” (D&C 76:77). Concepts familiar to all Christians might liken this higher kingdom to heaven because it has the presence of the Son.
The Telestial Kingdom
(“Kingdoms of Glory,” True to the Faith, (2004),92–95)
Telestial glory will be reserved for individuals who “received not the gospel of Christ, neither the testimony of Jesus” (D&C 76:82). These individuals will receive their glory after being redeemed from spirit prison, which is sometimes called hell (see D&C 76:84, 106). A detailed explanation of those who will inherit telestial glory is found in Doctrine and Covenants 76:81–90, 98–106, 109–112.
(B. Renato Maldonado, “Messages from the Doctrine and Covenants: The Three Degrees of Glory,” Ensign, Apr 2005, 62–65)
The Lord compared telestial glory to that of the stars (see D&C 76:81). Those who shall inherit this kingdom are those who:
• Rejected the gospel, the testimony of Jesus, the prophets, and the everlasting covenant (see D&C 76:82, 101).
• Were liars, sorcerers, adulterers, and whoremongers (see D&C 76:103).
• Loved “and [made] a lie” (D&C 76:103).
Among other blessings and limitations, those who inherit the telestial kingdom will:
• Suffer the wrath of God on earth (see D&C 76:104) and not be redeemed from the devil until the last resurrection, which will take place after the Millennium (see D&C 76:85). 3
• Be denied the Savior’s fulness (see D&C 76:86).
• Be able to receive the Holy Ghost through the ministration of beings in higher glories (see D&C 76:86–88).
• Never be able to come where God and Christ dwell (see D&C 76:112).
(“Chapter 36: Eternal Life,” Gospel Fundamentals, 201)
This kingdom is not as wonderful as the celestial kingdom or the terrestrial kingdom. Neither our Father in Heaven nor Jesus will visit those who live here. Angels will visit these people, and they will have the influence of the Holy Ghost. The people who live in the telestial kingdom are those who did not accept either the gospel or a testimony of Jesus, either on earth or in the spirit world. They will suffer for their own sins in spirit prison until after the Millennium. Then they will finally be resurrected.
While on this earth, they were liars, thieves, murderers, false prophets, adulterers, and those who ridiculed sacred things. They were the people who accepted the beliefs of the world rather than the teachings of Jesus. Many people will live in this kingdom. Our Father in Heaven will give these people the happiness they are prepared to receive.
(Dallin H. Oaks, “Apostasy and Restoration,” Ensign, May 1995, 84)
The lowest degree is the telestial domain of those who “received not the gospel, neither the testimony of Jesus, neither the prophets” (D&C 76:101) and who have had to suffer for their wickedness. But even this degree has a glory that “surpasses all understanding” (D&C 76:89). Its occupants receive the Holy Spirit and the administering of angels, for even those who have been wicked will ultimately be “heirs of [this degree of] salvation” (D&C 76:88).
Every person will inherit the kingdom that they have earned, because we would be uncomfortable anywhere else. This is one of the many ways Heavenly Father demonstrates his love for his children. Heavenly Father does not give a higher degree of glory to some of his children because he loves them more, but because he knows that anyone who is not worthy of a higher kingdom would be miserable there. This is a beautiful aspect of the Plan of Salvation. Through this plan, we are each saved and brought home to the place where we can be happiest, and we ultimately get to decide where we go through our actions and life choices. -Annie Hostetter
The Lord compared telestial glory to that of the stars (see D&C 76:81). Those who shall inherit this kingdom are those who:
• Rejected the gospel, the testimony of Jesus, the prophets, and the everlasting covenant (see D&C 76:82, 101).
• Were liars, sorcerers, adulterers, and whoremongers (see D&C 76:103).
• Loved “and [made] a lie” (D&C 76:103).
Among other blessings and limitations, those who inherit the telestial kingdom will:
• Suffer the wrath of God on earth (see D&C 76:104) and not be redeemed from the devil until the last resurrection, which will take place after the Millennium (see D&C 76:85). 3
• Be denied the Savior’s fulness (see D&C 76:86).
• Be able to receive the Holy Ghost through the ministration of beings in higher glories (see D&C 76:86–88).
• Never be able to come where God and Christ dwell (see D&C 76:112).
(“Chapter 36: Eternal Life,” Gospel Fundamentals, 201)
This kingdom is not as wonderful as the celestial kingdom or the terrestrial kingdom. Neither our Father in Heaven nor Jesus will visit those who live here. Angels will visit these people, and they will have the influence of the Holy Ghost. The people who live in the telestial kingdom are those who did not accept either the gospel or a testimony of Jesus, either on earth or in the spirit world. They will suffer for their own sins in spirit prison until after the Millennium. Then they will finally be resurrected.
While on this earth, they were liars, thieves, murderers, false prophets, adulterers, and those who ridiculed sacred things. They were the people who accepted the beliefs of the world rather than the teachings of Jesus. Many people will live in this kingdom. Our Father in Heaven will give these people the happiness they are prepared to receive.
(Dallin H. Oaks, “Apostasy and Restoration,” Ensign, May 1995, 84)
The lowest degree is the telestial domain of those who “received not the gospel, neither the testimony of Jesus, neither the prophets” (D&C 76:101) and who have had to suffer for their wickedness. But even this degree has a glory that “surpasses all understanding” (D&C 76:89). Its occupants receive the Holy Spirit and the administering of angels, for even those who have been wicked will ultimately be “heirs of [this degree of] salvation” (D&C 76:88).
Every person will inherit the kingdom that they have earned, because we would be uncomfortable anywhere else. This is one of the many ways Heavenly Father demonstrates his love for his children. Heavenly Father does not give a higher degree of glory to some of his children because he loves them more, but because he knows that anyone who is not worthy of a higher kingdom would be miserable there. This is a beautiful aspect of the Plan of Salvation. Through this plan, we are each saved and brought home to the place where we can be happiest, and we ultimately get to decide where we go through our actions and life choices. -Annie Hostetter
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