Post No. 3 Read Time 3 minutes.

Nature knows no pause in progress and development and attaches her curse on all inaction. –Goethe

As a Christian, did you know that the belief in mankind’s premortal existence was taught and held by ancient Christians for nearly 500 years before it was declared heretical during the Dark Ages of apostasy and allowed to wither away? Ironically, this key doctrine was altered or lost by those responsible for preserving scriptural truth.

The doctrine of mankind’s premortal existence teaches three main ideas: First, all people existed as spirit children of God before birth. Second, in that premortal life, there was order, leadership, and instruction, allowing each of us to develop personal qualities. Third, adhering to the principle of common consent, we agreed, individually and collectively, to God’s plan to come to Earth in order to gain physical bodies, to prove ourselves through obedience, and to further develop our capabilities.

At that time, we also know that there were individuals designated by God as noble and great. Envisioning a world for developing intelligence, skill, and kindness, with laws, challenges, risks, and free will to build character, our Father in Heaven chose key leaders to set moral standards, to promote and defend freedom, and to help in mankind’s progression.

Among these were men who would come forth as Hebrew prophets, Greek philosophers, Roman statesmen, religious figures from across the spectrum, such as Aquinas, Mohammed, and Buddha, and a host of additional great individuals who would be inspired to promote moral standards, ameliorate human suffering, fight for truth and righteousness, and utilize their gifts and talents to expand human understanding.

A common argument for non-belief is that life’s difficulties leave people with a sense of hopelessness. In “Slip Sliding Away,” in a verse whose lyrical meaning has sunk deeply into America’s cultural psyche, Paul Simon captures this feeling: “God only knows. God makes his plan. The information’s unavailable to the mortal man.”

Because it is true that without vision the people perish, I would like to add my voice to those who believe that God indeed has a plan. Not only does he have a plan, but through the “restitution of all things” he has made that plan available to the mortal man!

With a beginning of understanding regarding the doctrine of premortal life, one now has answers to the questions: Where did I come from? And what is my purpose on this Earth?

SUMMARY

Big Idea

Premortal existence is the belief that all humans lived as spirit children of God before being born on Earth. While in this realm, we gained an understanding of our purpose and destiny.

Key Points

Premortal existence was accepted by early Christians for centuries before being labeled heretical.

This doctrine teaches that all people existed as spirit children of God, received guidance, and developed personally before birth.

As God’s spirit children we agreed to his plan to come to Earth, to gain physical bodies, and to further our spiritual development.

Some spirits were chosen by God as leaders, destined to set moral standards and guide humanity. These figures included prophets, philosophers, and other influential thinkers across religions and cultures.

Life’s hardships can lead to hopelessness, but the doctrine of preexistence reassures believers that God has a plan for each person.

Understanding our premortal existence provides meaningful answers to questions about our origin and purpose on Earth.