Do Latter-Day Saints believe that the earth will be the celestial kingdom? Will the earth be inhabited eternally, and will those who qualify for the celestial kingdom live on the earth forever? What will the earth be like when Christ returns? Thank you so much for your wonderful service!
One Response to “Do Latter-Day Saints believe that the earth will be the cele…”
Art Sherwood
2011-08-02 23:52:56
Although I have often heard it said that the earth will be the celestial kingdom, I can find no official record stating this to be the case. That doesn't mean it's wrong, it just means it is probably not official church doctrine.
The 10th Article of Faith states the following:
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
* Satan will be bound (he will have no power to tempt)
* Peace on Earth (no wars of conflicts)
* Christ will reign literally (all will at least acknowledge his kingship, if not his divinity)
* No death
After the millenial reign, all will be judged before God and receive their final assignment to one of the kingdoms of glory. Whether the Celestial glory ends up being on this earth or on some other world(s), it really doesn't matter.
The 10th Article of Faith states the following:
We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
We do get a good description of the Celestial Kingdom and its inhabitants in Doctrine and Covenants 76 (http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/76?lang=eng).
As for what the earth will be like when Christ returns (his millenial reign), the Gospel Principles manual provides a lot of information on that subject (http://lds.org/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-45-the-millennium?lang=eng&query=satan+bound).
Some highlights:
* Satan will be bound (he will have no power to tempt)
* Peace on Earth (no wars of conflicts)
* Christ will reign literally (all will at least acknowledge his kingship, if not his divinity)
* No death
After the millenial reign, all will be judged before God and receive their final assignment to one of the kingdoms of glory. Whether the Celestial glory ends up being on this earth or on some other world(s), it really doesn't matter.