RLDS Verse Context

41 And when the time cometh when all shall rise, then shall they know that God knoweth all the times which are appointed unto man.

42 Now concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection.

43 Behold, it has been made known unto me, by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body; yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.

44 And then shall it come to pass that the spirits of those who are 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, etc.

45 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil; for behold, they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord: for behold they choose evil works, rather than good: therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house;

46 And these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing and gnashing of teeth; and this because of their own iniquity; being led captive by the will of the devil.

47 Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked; yea, in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful, looking for, of the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their resurrection.

48 Now there are some that have understood that this state of happiness, and this state of misery of the soul, before the resurrection, was a first resurrection.

49 Yea, I admit it may be termed a resurrection; the raising of the spirit or the soul, and their consignation to happiness or misery, according to the words which have been spoken.

50 And behold again it hath been spoken, that there is a first resurrection; a resurrection of all those who have been or who are, or who shall be, down to the resurrection of Christ from the dead.

51 Now we do not suppose that this first resurrection which is spoken of in this manner, can be the resurrection of the souls, and their consignation to happiness or misery. Ye can not suppose that this is what it meaneth.