Long before birth, before names or nations, Latter-day Saints believe each person already existed. According to this belief, human life did not begin on earth but started with God in a spiritual realm. This understanding gives deeper meaning to questions of identity, purpose, and God’s relationship with humanity.
Rather than seeing life as a brief and random event, Latter-day Saints view mortal life as one chapter in an eternal journey that began before birth and continues beyond death.
God as the Father of Spirits
Latter-day Saints believe God is literally the Father of human spirits. Before coming to earth, individuals lived with Him in a pre-mortal existence where they learned, grew, and prepared for mortal life.
This belief teaches that human beings are divine in origin. God is not distant or impersonal but a loving Father who knows His children and desires their growth and happiness.
Biblical Foundations for Pre-Mortal Life
Latter-day Saints find support for belief in pre-mortal life within the Bible. Certain passages suggest that individuals existed and were known by God before birth.
One frequently cited example is when God tells the prophet Jeremiah that He knew him before he was formed in the womb. Latter-day Saints understand this as evidence of conscious existence prior to mortality.
Known and Chosen Before Birth
Other scriptures speak of individuals being chosen or foreordained before coming to earth. Latter-day Saints believe foreordination reflects God’s recognition of individuals’ willingness and potential in the pre-mortal life.
Foreordination and Agency
Foreordination does not mean destiny is fixed. Latter-day Saints believe each person retains full agency and is free to choose how to live during mortal life.
The Council in Heaven
Latter-day Saints believe that before the creation of the earth, God presented a plan for His children’s eternal progression. This plan included receiving physical bodies, experiencing mortality, and returning to God through Jesus Christ.
This gathering is often called the Council in Heaven. During this council, Jesus Christ was chosen as the Savior, and God’s children exercised agency by accepting His plan.
Agency as a Central Principle
Agency—the power to choose—is central to Latter-day Saint belief. The pre-mortal life is understood as a place where agency was already being used, shaping the course of mortal experience.
Opposition and Growth
Latter-day Saints believe growth requires opposition. Mortal life was designed to include challenges so individuals could learn, grow, and become more like God through their choices.
Why Mortal Life Matters
Earthly life is seen as a vital stage in eternal development. Through mortal experiences, individuals receive physical bodies, develop character, and learn to follow Jesus Christ.
Belief in a pre-mortal life helps explain why life includes testing, learning, and growth rather than immediate perfection.
Common Misunderstandings
Some believe that belief in pre-mortal life minimizes the importance of mortal life. Latter-day Saints believe the opposite—mortal life is sacred, purposeful, and essential.
Others think this belief removes accountability. In Latter-day Saint belief, individuals are fully responsible for the choices they make during mortality.
Why This Belief Matters
Belief in a pre-mortal life gives Latter-day Saints a strong sense of identity and purpose. It teaches that life has meaning beyond chance and that every person is known and loved by God.
This doctrine also brings comfort, reminding individuals that their worth existed before birth and continues eternally.
An Invitation
Latter-day Saints invite all people to reflect on their divine identity and seek understanding through prayer and study. They believe God can help each person discover their eternal purpose and relationship with Him.
Sources
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Kingdoms of Glory
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org
Doctrine and Covenants Central
https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org
Scripture Central
https://scripturecentral.org
Pearl of Great Price Central
https://www.pearlofgreatpricecentral.org
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