What do Mormons believe about eternity? Latter-day Saints teach that people will be assigned to one of three kingdoms of glory or to outer darkness, that the most faithful can progress toward godhood, and that families can be together forever. The Bible teaches two eternal destinies, heaven and hell, and describes heaven as a place centered not on our progress but on God himself. This final lesson builds on everything else in the series.
Does Everyone Go to Heaven?
The LDS Church teaches that there are three levels of heaven, plus a place called outer darkness. The manual Gospel Fundamentals puts it this way:
Each of us will be assigned to one of four places, according to how faithful to Jesus Christ we were. We will go to the kingdom we have prepared for by the choices we have made. These four places are the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, the telestial kingdom, and outer darkness. (Gospel Fundamentals)
The celestial kingdom is reserved for the most faithful Latter-day Saints. The terrestrial kingdom is for honorable people who didn’t accept the full LDS gospel. The telestial kingdom is for those who lived wicked lives. Outer darkness is for Satan, his followers, and very few people.
Jesus described only two destinations.
John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
He also promised, “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24). Every person faces one of two futures, and that future depends on our response to Jesus.
Is Heaven About Becoming a God?
Latter-day Saints believe those in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom can keep progressing toward godhood. Gospel Principles says that “those who inherit the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, who become gods, must have been married for eternity in the temple.”
The Bible’s picture of heaven focuses on God’s presence, not our progress.
Revelation 21:3-5 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
“The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Revelation 21:22). The glory of heaven is that God the Father and Jesus are there. Everything revolves around them, not around us.
Are Families Forever?
One distinctive LDS belief is that “families are forever.” The Family: A Proclamation to the World explains:
The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally. (The Family: A Proclamation to the World)
That can sound appealing, but the Bible offers something even better. Jesus said that “at the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage” (Matthew 22:30). Instead, believers become part of God’s eternal family. Jesus said, “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:35). Believers who loved each other on earth will be together, but our relationships will be gathered up into a perfect relationship with God and his whole family.
As you talk with Latter-day Saint friends and neighbors, remember Peter’s instruction to give the reason for your hope “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). The goal isn’t to win an argument but to point people to the Jesus of the Bible.
The Takeaway
Mormons believe in three kingdoms of glory, eternal progression toward godhood, and forever families. The Bible teaches two eternal destinies and a heaven where the greatest joy is God himself. For Christians, eternity isn’t about our families, achievements, or exaltation; it’s about being with God and his family forever.
