Mormon Pre Existence and the War in Heaven
LDS Belief in the Premortal Life and the Origin of Satan
Mormons (Latter-day Saints or LDS) have an all-inclusive view of human existence, reaching both backward and forward from this limited mortal life on earth. Mormonism not only offers an explanation of what happens to the soul after death, but also sheds light on the pre-earth existence people lived before they were born.
LDS Pre Existence is an Erroneous Term
The premortal life Mormons believe in is often incorrectly called "the pre-existence," even by members of the LDS church. The term doesn't refer to something that occurred before man's existence; it refers to humankind's existence before life on earth. Thus it is more correct to say "the premortal existence," "the pre-earth life," or "the premortal world."
Support for Mormon Premortal Existence
Mormons believe that ancient scripture and modern revelation both support the idea of mankind existing before birth.
- God says in Jeremiah 1:5 that "before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee."
- God refers to the premortal world in Job 38: 4-7: "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth...when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"
- Church leader Boyd K. Packer stated that "there is no way to make sense out of life without a knowledge of the doctrine of premortal life. … When we understand the doctrine of premortal life, then things fit together and make sense.”
- Former church president Joseph Fielding Smith said it is unreasonable to "believe that there is a spirit in man and when he dies that spirit continues to live as an immortal thing, yet that it had no existence until man was born in this mortal life.”
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, premortal existence is a non-controversial, universally accepted doctrine that is taught to all members.
Spirit Children of God in the Premortal World
Mormons believe in more than just a creation-creator relationship with God. They believe that everyone is literally a son or daughter of God, who lived with Him in heaven before being born on earth. Jesus was the firstborn spirit, and occupied a special place in the premortal world and in God's plan of salvation for mankind.
War in Heaven Occurred
Latter-day Saints believe that God explained to His spirit children that they would come to earth to gain bodies, be tested, and would be free to choose to return to Him. Since they wouldn't remember this life, they would have to walk by faith.
Jesus accepted this plan and was willing to come to earth to atone for mankind. But another spirit named Lucifer proposed that he be given all God's glory, come to earth, and force everyone to obey him. (See Pearl of Great Price; Moses 4:1-4.)
Mormons believe that God chose Jesus as the savior, and what followed is called the war in heaven. Lucifer rebelled and was cast out of heaven, never to receive a body or be sent to earth as part of God's plan. (Also see Bible; Luke 10:18, Revelation 12:7-12, and Isaiah 14: 12-20.) Mormons believe that Lucifer became Satan, and 1/3 of the spirits in heaven chose to follow him to outer darkness.
A close parent-child relationship with God is depicted by Mormons. They believe that all people lived as God's spirit children with Him before birth on earth. When He unfolded His plan for mankind, Lucifer rebelled and drew away many spirits. Jesus Christ was chosen to become the savior of the world.
Sources:
- Pearl of Great Price. Salt Lake City: Intellectual Reserve, 1979. (Modern-day LDS scripture.)
- The Holy Bible, King James Version. Salt Lake City: Intellectual Reserve, 1979.
Mormon Pre Earth Life
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