Physical death is the separation of the spirit from the mortal body. The Fall of Adam brought physical death into the world (see
Additional Information
Death is an essential part of Heavenly Father's plan of salvation (see 2 Nephi 9:6). In order to become like our Eternal Father, we must experience death and later receive perfect, resurrected bodies.
When the physical body dies, the spirit continues to live. In the spirit world, the spirits of the righteous “are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow” (Alma 40:12). A place called spirit prison is reserved for “those who [have] died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets” (D&C 138:32). The spirits in prison are “taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, and all other principles of the gospel that [are] necessary for them to know” (D&C 138:33-34). If they accept the principles of the gospel, repent of their sins, and accept ordinances performed in their behalf in temples, they will be welcomed into paradise.
Because of the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, physical death is only temporary: “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). Everyone will be resurrected, meaning that every person's spirit will be reunited with his or her body—“restored to their proper and perfect frame” and no longer subject to death (Alma 40:23; see also Alma 11:44-45).
See also Atonement of Jesus Christ; Paradise; Plan of Salvation; Resurrection
—See True to the Faith (2004), 46-47
Scripture References
Church Magazine Articles
-
Now is the time to prepare to meet God. Tomorrow may be too late.
-
May we live so that when that final summons is heard, we may have no serious regrets, no unfinished business.
“Now Is the Time to Prepare”
“Now Is the Time”
“The Power to Heal from Within”
“The Empty Tomb Bore Testimony”
Additional Study Materials
-
"Jesus Christ Redeems All Mankind from Temporal Death"
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, Chapter 10 -
"Death, Physical"
Guide to the Scriptures -
"The Atonement"
Gospel Principles, Chapter 12
