Three Degrees of Glory

by Melvin J. Ballard

This book shows racial bias/racism/bigotry as it relates to status in the Mormon Spirit world.In Mormon theology, there are three degrees of glory (alternatively, kingdoms of glory) which are the ultimate, eternal dwelling place for nearly all who lived on earth after the Spirit world.Joseph Smith, Jr. described the afterlife based primarily upon a vision he claimed to have received together with Sidney Rigdon, at Hiram, Ohio, February 16, 1832, and recorded as Doctrine and Covenants Section 76. According to this section of LDS scripture, the afterlife consists of three degrees or kingdoms of glory, called the Celestial Kingdom, the Terrestrial Kingdom, and the Telestial Kingdom. The few who do not inherit any degree of glory (though they are resurrected) reside in a state called outer darkness, which, though not a degree of glory, is often discussed in this context. The ones who go there are known as "Sons of Perdition".The three degrees of glory are described in Section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants. In the preface to Section 76 in the LDS edition of the Doctrine and Covenants, the following explanatory text is vision given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at Hiram, Ohio, February 16, 1832. Prefacing his record of this vision the Prophet "Upon my return from Amherst conference, I resumed the translation of the Scriptures. From sundry revelations which had been received, it was apparent that many important points touching the salvation of man had been taken from the Bible, or lost before it was compiled. It appeared self-evident from what truths were left, that if God rewarded every one according to the deeds done in the body, the term 'Heaven,' as intended for the Saints' eternal home, must include more kingdoms than one. Accordingly, while translating St. John's Gospel, myself and Elder Rigdon saw the following vision." It was after the Prophet had translated John 5:29 that this vision was given.Assignment to a particular kingdom in the resurrection is contingent upon the faith and works exhibited during mortal life. The LDS Church teaches that these different kingdoms are what Jesus was referring to when he said "In my Father's house are many mansions" (John 14:2). Additionally, the LDS Church teaches that 1 Corinthians 15:40-41 (40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies 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 for one star differeth from another star in glory) speaks of these three degrees of glory, comparing them with the glory of the sun, moon, and stars.The LDS doctrine of the three degrees of glory is also seemingly consistent with a particular reading of Revelation 22:10-11, where John 10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this for the time is at hand. 11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust and he which is filthy, let him be filthy and he that is righteous, let him be righteous and he that is holy, let him be holy still.The celestial kingdom is the highest of three heavens or heavenly kingdoms. It is thought to be the "third heaven" referred to by the Apostle Paul in the King James Version of 2 Corinthians 12:2 and it is said by Latter-day Saints to correspond to the "celestial bodies" and "glory of the sun" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:40-41. The celestial kingdom will be the residence of those who have been righteous, accepted the teachings of Jesus Christ, and made and lived up to all of the required ordinances and covenants during their mortal lives.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Lds, Mormonism

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very interesting discourse, and one that has a lot of inspirational thoughts. It has been quoted from once in a while--such as in Spencer W. Kimball's The Miracle of Forgiveness. The downside is that it has a lot of really deep thoughts that are Elder Ballard's opinions and are not necessarily LDS doctrine. It is a good read, but understand that some of it has to be taken with a grain of salt.

[Janice Hurst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

Since this was written , other Prophets have disavowed what Elder Ballard said about blacks and the Priesthood. I think this was an old belief that came down from Brigham Young and not Joseph Smith.

[James Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Excellent read, covers many topics concerning the three degrees of glory and the state of each. And how this relates to us, our dead and the scriptures and revelations given to us.

[Bonnie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful

Loved this book. Learned a lot. Makes me want to do better. Must read for sure. Give to you children.

[Milt Dutko · Rating 3 out of 5]

History

Dated but still so much wisdom and good advice and insight. A quick, short read but worth pondering and 're-reading.

[Robert L. Kresge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informable

Elder Ballard sheds light on many subjects often not well understood by the general Church population. His insights are most helpful.

[Shaun Messick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Degrees of Glory: A Discourse is a short but very insightful read. This book really helped me better understand the three degrees of glory. For example, while I know that our mortal time is a time to prepare to meet God and better ourselves, I did not know or understand that "It is much easier to overcome and serve the Lord when both flesh and spirit are combined as one." This is very thought provoking and definitely helps me understand that this mortal existence is a time we need to better ourselves.

Shaun F. Messick
The Mission

[Shaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were several stories that made me think "Wow!" A number of statements by Elder Ballard also helped me better understand the doctrine of the Kingdoms of Glory. My favorite was the analogy of the three runners on an endless race. The discourse contains statements that demonstrate that it was given before the "Revelation on the Priesthood" so when you finish, go read "Race and the Priesthood" on LDS.org. An excellent Sunday afternoon read for any member of the Church.

[Terrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Prophet Joseph Smith observed, "...that death and spirit world are subjects we ought to study more than any other. If we have claim on our Heavenly Father for anything, it is for knowledge on this important subject." (History of the Church 6:50).

After reading that quote, I've been trying to do just that. This is a discourse given by Elder Ballard with regard to the Three Degrees of Glory.

[Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this discourse, it had a lot of interesting deep doctrine in it, and I love deep doctrine! You could tell it was from a segregated time period due to some of the remarks Elder Ballard said, that an apostle today wouldn't say!

[LaVona Jaquith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three degrees of glory

Three degrees of glory

The 3° of glory is an older book but it still gives all of the information that we need in order to go to the one of the 3° of glory.

[Kris Attfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice short read, there is some insight into the mindset of LDS people back in the 1920s.

[Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, really liked this one, very inciteful. Makes you realize how much there is you really don't know about.

[Tom Seely · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a very good book.It was a quick read.I doubt I will be getting in to the Celestial Kingdom unless I change my ways.

[Edward Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth

If truth can set you free, then Eternal truth will take you home to our God and Saviour. Then we can continue to grow in spirit and body.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough Understanding

By reading this book you will gain a most thorough understanding of the three degrees of glory. Explicit detail and easily understood.

[DeeAnn Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book

Very informative -helped me better understand certain aspects of this important tenant of my faith. Elder Ballard is truly one of the Lord's finest servants.

[Donn Gilray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Remembrance

Inspiration that we have wonderful potential within us. This is the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in a nutshell.

[Berdean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Interesting, deep reading makes me want to live better.

[Kaylynn Johnsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting if outdated.

[Mandi Waller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, insightful read about the degrees of glory. Makes me want to be better!