Where do people go when they die? The answer is found within Mormon doctrine as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the Mormon Church by some). However, to better understand where people go after death, one must first understand the LDS doctrines about the plan of salvation, death, spirit world, and resurrection.

Mormon Doctrine: Plan of Salvation

The Apostle Paul taught that Christ could not die again once he had been resurrected. (Romans 6:4-10) This makes perfect sense when one considers that before birth we were spirits without bodies. During our mortal lives, our spirits are inside of our bodies. This may be easy to imagine if you picture a glove coming to life once a hand is inside it. [1] After death, our spirit separates temporarily from our body, until the Resurrection when it will reunite. Everyone lived with God before coming to earth and will one day return to Him to be judged for their actions.

In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life… it [is] possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally. [2]

LDS doctrine teaches where people go after death. The spirit goes to the “spirit world” while waiting for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, the Final Judgment, and resurrection. This is a place “[w]here our spirits go between death and resurrection. For those who were righteous during their lives, the spirit world will be a place of peace and joy.” [3] Spirits are in adult form and the righteous are separated from the wicked (see 1 Nephi 15:28–30).

The spirits are classified according to the purity of their lives and their obedience to the will of the Lord while on earth… but the spirits may progress as they learn gospel principles and live in accordance with them. [4]

The righteous rest in a place called “paradise” and the wicked wait in “spirit prison”.

Mormon Doctrine: Paradise

“…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… 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.” [5]

“According to the prophet Alma, the righteous spirits rest from earthly care and sorrow. Nevertheless, they are occupied in doing the work of the Lord” [4] Missionary work still occurs after death and these righteous people are busy preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who died without the knowledge of Him. “The Church is organized in the spirit world, and priesthood holders continue their responsibilities there (see D&C 138:30)… Family relationships are also important.” [4]

Mormon Doctrine: Hell

Many people believe that people go straight to heaven or hell after death. “The Apostle Peter referred to the postmortal spirit world as a prison, which it is for some (see 1 Peter 3:18–20).” LDS doctrine teaches that some people go to spirit prison until the Final Judgment. The “Spirit Prison” could be considered as “hell” for some because they have not yet received the gospel of Jesus Christ or have removed themselves from the mercy of Jesus Christ. “These spirits have agency and may be enticed by both good and evil. If they accept the gospel and the ordinances performed for them in the temples, they may leave the spirit prison and dwell in paradise” [4]

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 chose evil works rather than good; therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house—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.

Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked, yea, in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful looking for 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. [5]

Mormon Doctrine: Repentance

For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.

And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.

Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world. [6]

Imagine filling your cup with water or juice and putting it in the freezer. It’s easy to stir before it solidifies. Once it has frozen, it is hard to move the drink around in its container or add more ingredients. This is similar to our spirits after death. It may not be as easy to repent and change our character, flaws, and weaknesses once we have died. We were sent to earth to get bodies, progress, and grow. Take advantage of the opportunity you have today to pray to God, repent of your mistakes, and come unto Christ.

Watch a short clip about the Apostle Russell M. Nelson and reflect if you are ready to meet God.

Article Written By Rebecca

Additional Resources:

Mormon Beliefs: God’s Plan of Happiness

Life Before Life: God’s Plan of Salvation

Visit your local Mormon church or meet with the missionaries to learn more