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Completion of the Plan
In the Spirit World. (1 Cor. 15:51, 52; John 5:28, 29.) All who die pass first into the spirit world, retaining there all their normal powers, including their free agency. Life there is the spiritual equivalent of life here. The spirit world, itself, is but the spiritual equivalent of earth.
In course of time, the bodies laid down in the grave shall be resurrected and reunited with the immortal spirit, the union to continue forever. The body thus brought out of the grave will undergo profound changes, not understood by man, which will fit it for everlasting association with an eternal spirit. While the body will arise as it was laid down, for there can be no life or growth or progressive change in the grave, yet all blemishes and imperfections will be corrected before the unending union of body and spirit takes place.
The resurrection is operative for all who have lived upon earth. Jesus died that every soul which has lived upon earth might regain his body. The resurrection is absolutely universal.
On the Day of Judgment. The time must come in the eternal hereafter when every human being must explain how he carried out on earth his preexistent agreement with the Lord. He came down on earth, with the possibility of winning access to the greatest blessings of God. How far did he approach that goal? How is he now, after earth-life, compared with his preexistent condition? As effect follows cause, so the answers to such questions will determine the gains of the man from his earth-experience. That is, the judgment measured out will be in accordance with the man's works.
There enters here the vast mercy of God. He is our very Father, in our first, spiritual estate. He loves us with a Father's love. He also knows the conditions under which we have traveled the road on earth. His higher justice, the product of love and mercy as well as the claims of law, will decide upon the judgment that we shall receive.
This has been clearly set forth. "And surely every man must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless. Wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which I shall pass, but woes shall go forth, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, yea, to those who are found on my left hand. Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment. Again, it is written eternal damnation; wherefore it is more express than other scriptures, that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men, altogether for my name's glory. Wherefore, I will explain unto you this mystery, for it is meet unto you to know even as mine apostles. I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing, even as one, that you may enter into my rest. For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great it is! For, behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for Endless is my name. Wherefore-Eternal punishment is God's punishment. Endless punishment is God's punishment." (D. & C. 19:4-12.) Eternal punishment, everlasting punishment, all punishment, will accord with the mind and will of God. Yet, as our works have been, so our reward will be. From that there is no escape.