Difference between revisions of "Mortality"

Revision as of 15:38, 18 August 2006

The meaning of mortality is commonly known as the time from birth until physical death. However, doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that mortality is much more than just the time from birth to death. It is a vital part of the Plan of Salvation, which is God’s plan for His children.

Doctrine of the Church teaches that before we were born we lived as spirits with God. While there we were able to grow and learn from our Heavenly Father. Heavenly Father knew that in order for us to grow and progress as much as we could, we would need to receive physical bodies, learn to choose between good and evil, and gain experience. So a plan that members refer to as either the Plan of Salvation or the Plan of Happiness was presented and put into action. The plan would mean that we would be born into mortality, forget or pre-mortal life, and have to live by faith. Heavenly Father knew that we would make mistakes so He sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ to be our Savior and example. His Atoning sacrifice made it possible for us to repent and return to live with our Father in Heaven.

Not all of God's spirit children liked His plan. Another plan was presented by Lucifer, now known as Satan. His plan was contrary to the will of God and so Lucifer and his followers were cast out of Heaven and denied the opportunity to gain bodies. All who have been born or will be born accepted Heavenly Father’s plan and gained their second estate (or mortality).

Lance B. Wickman described mortality in this manner:

It is a proving ground, a probationary state, a time to walk by faith, a time to prepare to meet God ... It is in nurturing humility (see Alma 32:6–21) and submissiveness (see Mosiah 3:19) that we may comprehend a fullness of the intended mortal experience and put ourselves in a frame of mind and heart to receive the promptings of the Spirit. Reduced to their essence, humility and submissiveness are an expression of complete willingness to let the “why” questions go unanswered for now, or perhaps even to ask, “Why not?” It is in enduring well to the end ... that we achieve this life’s purposes. I believe that mortality’s supreme test is to face the “why” and then let it go, trusting humbly in the Lord’s promise that “all things must come to pass in their time” (D&C 64:32) (Lance B. Wickman, “But If Not,” Ensign, Nov. 2002, 30).

The things we must do in mortality are sometimes referred to as a divine mission. This mission is to learn the things that will help us gain characteristics that Heavenly Father has. Some of these things are to control our bodies, choose right over wrong, humility, obedience, kindness, love, charity and living by faith. If we learn these things and apply the principles of the Atonement we are prepared to return again to live with Heavenly Father.

In comparison with the duration of eternity, mortality is a very brief time. Nevertheless, it is during mortality that we make the choices which will effect how we will spend the rest of eternity. In the words of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin "Mortality is very brief but immeasurably important" (“The Time to Prepare,” Ensign, May 1998, 14).

External Links:

• Why am I here on Earth?
• LDS Basics: Mortality