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Pre-mortal existence

Pre-mortal existence

Mormons do not accept that the life of a human being begins with their earthly birth.

Instead they believe that we have an eternal life stretching either side of our lives on earth, and this governs their whole way of living.

Mormons believe that human beings have 3 stages of life:

• Pre-existence as spirit children
• A time of probation on earth
• Eternal life with the Heavenly Father

Mormons see everyone as the beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, with a divine nature and destiny, as well as a child of his/her human parents.

Heavenly Mother

Although there isn't much written in Mormon scripture about this, Mormons accept that heavenly parenthood is shared by God the Father and a Heavenly Mother.

The Heavenly Mother is like the Heavenly Father in glory, perfection, compassion, wisdom, and holiness.

This idea was revealed to Joseph Smith in 1839. It can be seen in the popular Mormon hymn O My Father.

The image of God

When Mormons say that human beings are made in the image of God, they mean this to be taken literally and physically, not just morally and spiritually.

In the pre-mortal state spirit children are taught God's plans and purposes.

Each spirit child is given a choice by God as to whether they will follow his plan of salvation by being given a body and spending time being tested through life on earth.

The pre-mortal existence is a time when the spirit child is prepared for its time on earth.

During this time the spirit child may also be given specific responsibilities that it is expected to fulfil during its time on earth.

These are likely to be influenced by the character of a person's life in the spirit world - those who display good characteristics in their pre-mortal existence will be chosen to be prophets and leaders in their earthly life.

Mortal human existence

Mortal human existence

When a person is born they have an adult spirit in an infant body. That spirit has all the characteristics that it developed in its pre-mortal existence.

For Mormons, having a physical body of the same kind as God the Father and Jesus is essential for their progress and their resurrection.

Time on Earth

The time people spend on earth is a time of learning, a time when human beings prepare to meet God.

On earth, people learn new things, and develop their individual talents and gifts.

A time of experience

Mormons believe that we have vital experiences here that we cannot have in other stages of our existence.

On earth people experience highs and lows, joys and sorrows, health and sickness. Through this they come to know what is really worthwhile and understand the true nature of joy.

A time of testing

While they are on earth human beings act as free agents and learn to choose between good and evil. Their choices significantly affect the rest of their life on earth and their life after death.

On earth each person has the opportunity to accept and live by the commandments of God, and to accept the missions and callings that have been chosen for them.

A time of faith

During earthly life people do not remember what their pre-existence was like. They have no personal knowledge of the spirit life, and so must live their earthly lives as a demonstration of their faith in what the Church tells them.

A time of family

Life on earth is when Mormons begin to build their eternal families - first as children, and then as parents.

Find out more

• Mormon families