The Atonement of Jesus Christ: Understanding the Mystery, Becoming One

The Endless State 

“This life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state.”Alma 12:24

Paul saw and touched the resurrected body of Jesus Christ. He is an eye witness to what resurrection looks like. Paul explains from his firsthand experience what happens when a person is resurrected. He points out that our physical mortal bodies are like seeds which will be planted in the ground. The resurrection is not to dig up the seed that was planted or return the seed back to its previous state, but for the seed to sprout and grow into a new plant patterned after it’s kind.

Paul points out that there are different kinds of animal bodies on the earth which he calls “flesh”, (for example, white meat, red meat, fish, etc.). He tells us that just as there are different kinds of flesh, so too will there be different kinds of resurrected bodies. Everyone will not be resurrected to the same kind of body just as animals do not have the same kind of flesh. 

He tells us that some will be resurrected to Celestial bodies, some to Terrestrial bodies, and Telestial bodies each type of body is determined by its glory.

He also tells us that resurrected bodies are not considered “natural” or original bodies, (the seed body), but they are “spiritual” bodies, (that which the seed grew or produced).

Additionally, Paul points out that Adam was the first man of the physical creation and by him we are all made a living soul, (Natural body), but Christ is the second Adam or spiritual Creation and through him we are all made a quickened Spirit. This is required because flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.

“But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?

36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:

37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:

38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.

39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.

40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

41 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.

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.” – 1 Corinthians 15:35-54

When we are resurrected, we will be raised to eternal life in a body that is determined by what we did during our probation period. Paul tells us that the types of bodies we can be resurrected to are physically different just as much as the flesh of fish is different from that of pork, or red meat.

This means that the bodies of Celestial people are physically different from the bodies of Terrestrial, and Telestial people’s bodies are different from both Celestial and Terrestrial people’s bodies. Each type of body is capable of having a greater capacity for what the scriptures call “glory”. This glory is likened to the brightness of the Sun, the Moon and the stars. 

To the degree that the sun is different from the moon, so too is the resurrected body of a Celestial person different from the resurrected body of a Terrestrial person. To the degree that the moon is different from the stars, so too is the resurrected body of a Terrestrial person different from the resurrected body of a Telestial person. This means that the differences between each type of body is significant and not minor, just as the flesh is different between a cow, a fish and a pig.

To get these new “incorruptible” bodies we not only have to repent, but we must die or give up our “corruptible” physical/natural bodies. Then we can be resurrected with a new body based on which degree of glory we attained to during our probation period.

 This is repeated by the Lord in D&C 88 who adds that we will be resurrected to a fulness of the highest portion of glory that our spirits were quickened by during our probation period.

“And again, verily I say unto you, the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation, and transgresseth not the law—

26 Wherefore, it shall be sanctified; yea, notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quickened again, and shall abide the power by which it is quickened, and the righteous shall inherit it.

27 For notwithstanding they die, they also shall rise again, a spiritual body.

28 They who are of a celestial spirit shall receive the same body which was a natural body; even ye shall receive your bodies, and your glory shall be that glory by which your bodies are quickened.

29 Ye who are quickened by a portion of the celestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.

30 And they who are quickened by a portion of the terrestrial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.

31 And also they who are quickened by a portion of the telestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.

32 And they who remain shall also be quickened; nevertheless, they shall return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received.” – D&C 88:25-32

NOTE: If you would like to walk through the scriptures to understand the minimum criteria we must meet to be resurrected into each degree of glory, please watch “The Kingdom’s of Glory” video presentation in the Elliaison.org online video library. In that presentation, we walk through the scriptures and review the minimum and maximum criteria a person will meet for each of the Kingdoms of Glory and for Outer Darkness.

We live in corrupted mortal bodies that decay and die. When we are resurrected, we will be raised to incorruptible immortal bodies which do not decay or die. The prophets specifically teach that not only will we not die by choice when we are resurrected, but they say, “we can not die” and that our bodies and spirits will never be divided again.

“Now, behold, I have spoken unto you concerning the death of the mortal body, and also concerning the resurrection of the mortal body. I say unto you that this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more; their spirits uniting with their bodies, never to be divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal, that they can no more see corruption.” – Alma 11:45

“12 And Amulek hath spoken plainly concerning death, and being raised from this mortality to a state of immortality, and being brought before the bar of God, to be judged according to our works.

18 Then, I say unto you, … they cannot die, seeing there is no more corruption. – Alma 12:12, 18

“For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy;

34 And when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy.” – D&C 93:33-34

“They were assembled awaiting the advent of the Son of God into the spirit world, to declare their redemption from the bands of death.

17 Their sleeping dust was to be restored unto its perfect frame, bone to his bone, and the sinews and the flesh upon them, the spirit and the body to be united never again to be divided, that they might receive a fulness of joy.” – D&C 138:16-17

“Yea, and blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, from henceforth, when the Lord shall come, and old things shall pass away, and all things become new, they shall rise from the dead and shall not die after, and shall receive an inheritance before the Lord, in the holy city.” – D&C 63:49

If Adam and Eve were permitted to take the fruit of the tree of life without dying, then they would have lived forever in their fallen body, never having the opportunity to gain a Terrestrial or Celestial body by giving up their fallen body through death and gaining a better glorified body through resurrection. 

Death happens when our spirits are separated from our mortal bodies. Having a body gives our spirits experience and interaction with physical matter that is not available to spirit bodies. (For more detail about the benefits of physical bodies, see “Interview with the Recently Deceased” on Elliaison.org)

This separation or death, allows us to let go of our unglorified, fallen, mortal body and gain a new exalted, glorified immortal body before our spirits and bodies are permanently joined together. When we are resurrected the body we gain will be our eternal body because once we are resurrected, we cannot die.

As pointed out previously, the light and glory we are quickend by prior to the resurrection determines what type of body we are resurrected with and what degree of glory we will have in our eternal state. Once we are resurrected, we are stuck in a body that cannot die and we cannot change our eternal state anymore. The scriptures tell us of an eternal state and a time in which there can be no more works that can be done which will change our eternal state. The resurrection of the dead is that time.

“And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death; nevertheless there was a space granted unto man in which he might repent; therefore this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead.” – Alma 12:24

Even this mortal shall put on immortality, and this corruption shall put on incorruption, and shall be brought to stand before the bar of God, to be judged of him according to their works whether they be good or whether they be evil—

11 If they be good, to the resurrection of endless life and happiness; and if they be evil, to the resurrection of endless damnation, being delivered up to the devil, who hath subjected them, which is damnation.
12 Having gone according to their own carnal wills and desires; having never called upon the Lord
while the arms of mercy were extended towards them; for the arms of mercy were extended towards them, and they would not; they being warned of their iniquities and yet they would not depart from them; and they were commanded to repent and yet they would not repent.” – Mosiah 16:10-12

“And I would that all men might be saved. But we read that in the great and last day there are some who shall be cast out, yea, who shall be cast off from the presence of the Lord;

26 Yea, who shall be consigned to a state of endless misery, fulfilling the words which say: They that have done good shall have everlasting life; and they that have done evil shall have everlasting damnation. And thus it is. Amen.“ – Hel. 12:25-26

“And it came to pass that when Jesus had ended these sayings he said unto his disciples: Enter ye in at the strait gate; for strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it; but wide is the gate, and broad the way which leads to death, and many there be that travel therein, until the night cometh, wherein no man can work.” – 3 Nephi 27:33

It is essential that we progress as far as we can before we are resurrected to a new immortal body that cannot die so that we can gain the best type of resurrected body. For this reason there are two resurrections, the resurrection of the just and the resurrection of the unjust.

Speaking of the resurrection of the dead, concerning those who shall hear the voice of the Son of Man:

17 And shall come forth; they who have done good, in the resurrection of the just; and they who have done evil, in the resurrection of the unjust.” – D&C 76:16-17

“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” – John 5:28–29

The first resurrection, called the Resurrection of the Just, is for all who qualify for a Celestial body. They have passed all the tests and qualified for the most glorified body which can be received. 

Because they qualified for the best resurrected body, they can be resurrected without delay, so they are resurrected first. These have all been sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise and are members of the Church of the Firstborn.

“And again we bear record—for we saw and heard, and this is the testimony of the gospel of Christ concerning them who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just

53 And who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true.

54 They are they who are the church of the Firstborn.

64 These are they who shall have part in the first resurrection.

65 These are they who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just.


70 These are they whose bodies are celestial, whose glory is that of the sun, even the glory of God, the highest of all, whose glory the sun of the firmament is written of as being typical.” – D&C 76:50-70

During the millennium, those who are mortal but qualified for Celestial glory will live to the age of a tree and then will die and be resurrected in “the twinkling of an eye”. 

“For the great Millennium, of which I have spoken by the mouth of my servants, shall come.

31 For Satan shall be bound, and when he is loosed again he shall only reign for a little season, and then cometh the end of the earth.

32 And he that liveth in righteousness shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and the earth shall pass away so as by fire.” – D&C 43:30-32

“And he that liveth when the Lord shall come, and hath kept the faith, blessed is he; nevertheless, it is appointed to him to die at the age of man.

51 Wherefore, children shall grow up until they become old; old men shall die; but they shall not sleep in the dust, but they shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye.” – D&C 63:50-51

“In that day an infant shall not die until he is old; and his life shall be as the age of a tree;

31 And when he dies he shall not sleep, that is to say in the earth, but shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and shall be caught up, and his rest shall be glorious.” – D&C 101:30-31

The Second resurrection, called the Resurrection of the Unjust, is for all Terrestrial and Telestial people. Those who have not qualified for the greatest glory. They are the last to be resurrected so that they have as much time as possible to repent and progress before being resurrected with a new body limited in its glory.

The Resurrection of the Unjust will take place at the end of the millennium, after everyone has had ample time to progress as far as they are able. 

But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” – Rev. 20:5

This life is truly a probationary period for us and a time has been granted for us to repent and prepare for that endless state in which no more work can be done which will change or improve our eternal state. There is a time granted that we might prepare. The time to prepare is limited. For this reason, the prophets have begged us to repent and prepare for the endless state. Do not procrastinate the day of your repentance!

“And now, my brethren, I would that, after ye have received so many witnesses, seeing that the holy scriptures testify of these things, ye come forth and bring fruit unto repentance.

31 Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you.

32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.

33 And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.

34 Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.” – Alma 34:30-34

“Behold, we are surrounded by demons, yea, we are encircled about by the angels of him who hath sought to destroy our souls. Behold, our iniquities are great. O Lord, canst thou not turn away thine anger from us? And this shall be your language in those days.

38 But behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head.” – Hel. 13:37-38

“And now, my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea, with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken unto my words, and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the day of your repentance;” – Alma 13:27

Table of Contents

Forward

Part 1 – The Mechanics of the Atonement

Chapter 1: Progressing in the Atonement

Chapter 2: The Atonement in 30 Seconds

Chapter 3: The Justice/Mercy Problem

Chapter 4: Scriptures that Don’t Exist

Chapter 5: The Day of Atonement

Chapter 6: The Requirements for Accountability and Sin

Chapter 7: Transferring Accountability/Sin

Chapter 8: Early Lessons from Christ

Chapter 9: The Victim in Gethsemane

Chapter 10: Why Jesus Suffered and Died

Chapter 11: The Atonement and Scripture

Chapter 12: The Victims of Sin

Chapter 13: Grace vs Works

Chapter 14: The Story of Jim

Chapter 15: The Limits of the Atonement

Part 2 – The Meaning of the Atonement

Chapter 16: Put on the Bowels of Mercy

Chapter 17: The Lesson of the Least

Chapter 18: Introduction to Christ’s Prophecy

Part 3 – Assenting to His Death

Chapter 19: Our Part of the Atonement

Chapter 20: Animal Sacrifices

Chapter 21: Additional Evidence

Chapter 22: The First Death on Earth

Chapter 23: Killing to Get Gain Part 2

Chapter 24: The Line Between Life and Death

Chapter 25: Willing to Kill Christ

Chapter 26: Christ’s Hidden Prophecy

Chapter 27: Assenting to the Death of Christ

Part 4 – Fulfilling the Atonement

Chapter 28: The Path to Perfection

Chapter 29: A “Perfect” Definition

Chapter 30: How to Gain the Fulness of Charity

Chapter 31: Preparing for the Millennium

Part 5 – Applying the Principles

Chapter 32: Give What You Have Been Given 

Part 6 – Resurrection

Chapter 33: The Resurrection of the Dead 

Chapter 34: The Endless State 

Chapter 35: You Can Do This. You Can Do This Now!

Chapter 36: Concluding Remarks

Appendix: Additional Teachings From Christ