Life Everlasting--
A Definitive Study of Life After Death
                        (2nd Revised Edition)

Review

     Life Everlasting is a fascinating examination of man's future life from the time of death until his entry into the heavenly kingdom. The book reaches beyond the commonplace to give new sights into the nature of the life to come.

     This book examines eyewitness accounts of more than 200 individuals who have ventured into the spirit world and have then returned to tell of their experiences. It also draws extensively from the scriptures and from the discourses of Latter-day Saint leaders. As the evidence of these accounts is analyzed, a host of new ideas and understandings are revealed to the reader.

     Within these pages are numerous descriptions of spirit world conditions including buildings, landscaping, wearing apparel, organization, occupations and Church callings. Many instructive descriptions of the amazing capabilities of spirit beings are provided. Of special interest are the vivid descriptions of Jesus Christ as he has appeared to many who have entered into Paradise. The numerous roles of spirit beings who visit the earth, as Guardian Angels and in other capacities, are described in detail. The factors which govern man's time of death are discussed, and the nature of man's "new birth" into the next life is described in detail by those who have experienced it.

     Life Everlasting peers into the spirit prison and hell and reports conditions and activities in those environments. Then it sweeps forward in time to analyze the nature of the resurrections and final judgment. A careful consideration of the final rewards available to man is made, with detailed and specific coverage of the sons of perdition and the inhabitants of the telestial, terrestrial and celestial kingdoms. The final chapter is a penetrating explanation of the nature of godhood and exaltation.

     Few books have ever combined such a wealth of new concepts and interesting information with the careful presentation and scholarship of Life Everlasting. Latter-day Saints will find strong evidences which confirm their beliefs in the afterlife. Others, no matter what their religious orientation, will find Life Everlasting to be one of the most far-reaching, comprehensive presentations of life-after-death experiences in print. It is inevitable that this book will continue to be widely read and discussed for many years to come.

Table of Contents

Books By the Author, 5
Cassette Talk Tapes By the Author, 7

INTRODUCTION, 15
Could You Gaze into Heaven, 15
Purposes of this Book, 15
The Law of Witnesses, 16
Personal Revelation the Key to Knowledge of the Eternities, 17
Not as Doctrine, 18
How this Book was Written, 18
Life Everlasting: A Significant Pioneering Work, 19
Personal Testimonies and Confirmations of Truth, 20

1: ENTRY INTO THE SPIRIT WORLD, 22
Biblical Allusions to Spirit World Visits, 22
Reception into the Spirit Realm, 24
Entry into the Spirit World a Joyful Experience, 27
Reunion with Departed Loved Ones, 30
Location of the Spirit World, 31
Increased Capacity of Spirit Beings, 33
Limitations of Spirit Beings, 39
Meaning of Returning to the Presence of God at Death, 40
Many Know When Death Approaches, 42

2: THE LIGHT, THE TUNNEL, AND MEETING THE SAVIOR, 50
Near Death Experience Statistics, 50
Two Types of Spirit-world Entry, 51
The Spirit's Departure from the Body, 53
Emotions Felt When Entering the Spirit World, 57
The Light, 58
The Tunnel, 59
Meeting Christ, 61
Descriptions of Christ, 64
The Life Review, 69
Missions to be Completed on Earth, 74
The Process of Re-entering the Mortal Body, 77

3: PREMORTAL INFLUENCES ON EARTH LIFE, 81
Mortal Inhabitants of Earth are Spirit Children of God the Father and Dwelt with Him Before this Earth's Creation, 81
Jesus Christ is God the Father's Firstborn Son in the Premortal Spirit World, 83
Jesus Chosen as Redeemer and Lucifer Rejected, 84
Satan and a Third of God's Spirit Children Cast Down to Earth, 85
Mortal Life Designated a Probationary State, 86
Worlds without Number Created and Inhabited, 87
In the Beginning-Progressing from Intelligence to Spirit Being, 87
Priesthood Authority in Premortal Environments, 89
Visions of Premortal Events, 91
Descriptions of Premortal Training for Mortality and Eternity, 98
Premortal Choices Determine Earthly Experiences, 101
Premortal Spirits Choose Mortal and Eternal Family Relationships, 104
Some Commitments to Premortal Spirits are Made After Entering Mortality, 112
Commitments Require Coming to Earth at a Certain Time, 114
Departing from Heaven, 118
Training in the Womb, 122

4: FACTORS INFLUENClNG MAN'S TIME OF DEATH, 128
Days and Bounds of Man Determined by God, 128
A Time to Die, 129
Appointed Time of Death Changed by Pleas of the Righteous, 130
Appointed Time of Death Changed by Unrighteousness, 137
Many Die to Fulfill Spirit World Responsibilities, 138
Some Mortals Given Life or Death Option, 140
Other Factors Affecting Time of Death, 145
Observations Concerning When and Why Men Die, 147
Dying unto the Lord, 151

5: THE PARADISE OF THE RIGHTEOUS, 156
Various Meanings of the Term "Paradise", 156
Descriptions of Paradise, 157
Plants and Trees, 157
Buildings, 161
Music Emanating from Every Object, 164
Animals in the Spirit World, 166
Organized, Industrious People, 166
Spirit World Fashions, 167
Mortal Children Who Die are Adult Spirits, 172
Different Spheres and Levels, 175
The Church of this Dispensation in the Spirit World is Under the Direction of Joseph Smith, 177
Paradise Visited by Jesus Christ, 184
Freedom from Cares and Sorrows, 185
Work Being Performed, 186

6: THE AMAZING CAPABILITIES OF SPIRIT WORLD BEINGS, 194
Spirit Beings Have Tangible Bodies, the Same Form as Humans, 194
Spirit Bodies Weigh Less than Mortal Bodies, 195
Spirits Can Touch and Feel One Another, and Sometimes Can Touch and Be Felt by Mortals, 195
Spirits Can Smell, 196
Spirit Beings Filled with Light, 197
Telepathic Mind Communication, 198
Floating--an Alternative to Walking, 200
Long-distance Thought-guide Travel, 201
Matter Exists at Different Vibrational Frequencies, 205
Spirit World Age: Early Adulthood, 207
A Different Concept of Time, 209

7: THE QUEST FOR KNOWLEDGE IN THE SPIRIT WORLD, 213
Preparation to Administer the Affairs of Father's Kingdom, 213
Increased Ability to Learn, 213
Recalling Previously Learned Knowledge, 215
Learning From All Parts of the Body and Other Senses, 216
Knowledge is Light; Light is Knowledge, 217
Learning Centers in the Spirit World, 218
Advanced Methods of Learning, 221
Many and Varied Lessons Learned, 222
Some Knowledge is Forbidden or Forgotten if the Individual Returns to Earth, 226

8: SPIRIT BEINGS VISIT THE EARTH, 229
Spirits Observe and Participate in Earth Events, 229
The Dead Concerned About Earth Conduct, 231
Evil Spirits Sometimes Wander on Earth Indiscriminately; Righteous Spirits Return
     Only for a Purpose, 236
Evil Spirits Can Possess Mortal Bodies, Prompt Evil Actions and Thoughts, 239
Discerning Between Righteous and Evil Spirits, 242
Types of Angels Who Minister on Earth, 244
Righteous Spirits Return to Earth For Many Purposes, 248
Spirits Return to Give Counsel, 250
Spirits Return to Give Comfort, 252
Spirits Return to Attend Funerals, Meetings and Other Activities, 257
Spirits Return to Obtain or Give Information, 259
Spirits Serve as Guardian Angels, 260
Spirits Prepare Mortal Beings for Death, 265
Spirits Call Mortals into the Spirit World, 267
Spirits Escort the Dying Through the Veil of Death, 271

9: THE SPIRIT PRISON--TEMPORARY REALM OF THE UNCOMMITTED, 275
Three Uses of the Term Spirit Prison, 275
Scriptural Passages Distinguish Between Hell and the Spirit Prison, 276
A Chart of Thirteen Evidences that the Spirit Prison is a Different Area than Hell, 279
Numerous Doctrinal Problems are Solved by Acknowledging Spirit Prison and Hell are Separate, 281
The Varied Environment of the Spirit Prison, 282
The Spirit Prison a Place for Teaching the Gospel, 283
The Responsibility to Teach Family Members in the Spirit Prison, 286
Other Skills Lead to Spirit Prison Mission Calls, 290
Spirits from Hell Sometimes Tempt Those in Spirit Prison, 292
Death Does Not Change One's Attitude Concerning the Gospel, 293
Many Forfeit the Opportunity to Accept the Gospel and Perform Exalting Ordinances While on Earth, 294

10: ETERNAL FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS AND VICARIOUS WORK FOR THE DEAD, 299
Everyone Must Have Opportunity to Accept the Gospel Plan, 299
The Doctrine of Vicarious Work for the Dead, 300
The Power of Family Genealogical Links, 305
Spirit World Genealogical Research Centers, 307
Ordinances Performed Vicariously on Earth Also are Performed by Recipients in the Spirit World, 308
Spirit World Genealogical Records Confirm Records on Earth, 309
Temple Work for Eligible Mortals Not to Be Procrastinated Till After Death, 310
Unsealed Couples Must Live Separate and Apart in the Spirit World, 312
Spirits in Prison Seek that Temple Work Be Done for Them, 312
Spirits in Prison Know When Vicarious Work is Performed for Them, 316
Spirits Sometimes are Present When Vicarious Temple Ordinances are Performed for Them, 317
Spirits Take Actions to Correct Genealogical Errors and Omissions, 321

11: HELL AND THE DOMINIONS OF SATAN, 327
Meaning of Terms Hell, Hades, Sheol, Tartarus and Gehenna, 327
Separation of the Righteous from the Wicked in Paradise and Hell, 328
Outer Darkness, 331
Descriptions of Outer Darkness and Hell, 335
Spirits from Hell Attempt to Lure Spirits at Their Time of Death, 336
The Potential Fates of Those Who Commit Suicide, 339
A Scriptural Profile of Lucifer, 341
Lucifer's Character and Ambitions, 341
Lucifer's Techniques for Ensnaring Mankind, 343
Pre-mortal Spirits Who Followed Satan and Deceased Mortal Spirits in Hell are Together, 346
Evil Spirits Return to Places of Earthly Sins, 347
Evil Spirits in Hell Attempt to Thwart the Work of God, 348
Sins Which Can Lead to Hell, 350
The Nature of Suffering In Hell, 352
Spirit World Hell Ends with Second Resurrection, 356

12: THE RESURRECTIONS OF THE JUST AND UNJUST, 361
All Men Will Resurrect, 361
Resurrection is a Reunion of Spirit and Body, 362
Resurrected Bodies Conform to Heavenly Kingdoms, 363
Atonement of Christ Makes Resurrection Possible, 364
Christ was First to Resurrect; Others Came Out of the Grave Then, 365
The First and Second Resurrections: the Resurrections of the Just and the Unjust, 366
The Earth to Be Resurrected, 369
Animals Will Be Resurrected, 371
Descriptions of Coming Forth from the Grave, 371
The Process of Calling Men Forth from the Grave, 372
The Resurrected Body Will Be Restored to its Perfect State, 376
Resurrected Beings Eat and Drink, 379
Men Will Come Forth as Laid in the Grave, Then Have Deformities Corrected, 380
Status of Children Following the Resurrection, 381

13: THE FINAL JUDGMENT, 389
The Great Day of Judgment, 389
All to Be Judged, 392
Christ the Judge, 392
Others to Serve as Judges under Christ, 393
Purposes of the Final Judgment, 396
Christ's Law is the Norm for Judgment, 401
Man to Judge Himself, 402
Witnesses and Books Also Used in the Judgment, 404
Mercy Cannot Rob Justice, 408

14: THE SONS OF PERDITION-THEIR SINS AND THEIR FATE, 412
The Resurrection and Kingdom of No Glory,  412
Inhabitants of the Kingdom of No Glory are Sons of Perdition, 413
The Unpardonable Sin--Sin Against the Holy Ghost, 413
Those Capable of Committing the Unpardonable Sin, 415
The Nature of Unpardonable Sin, 418
Fate of the Sons of Perdition, 422

15: THE THREE DEGREES OF GLORY, 429
Worlds without Number Created by God, 429
Man Inherits the Future Kingdoms According to the Law He Abides in Mortality, 433
The Telestial Glory, 435
The Terrestrial Glory, 437
The Celestial Glory, 439
Damnation Means a Limit to Progression, 444

16: EXALTATION, 449
Commandments to Seek and Achieve Perfection, 449
The Rich Blessings of Exaltation, 450
     1. Godhood, 451
     2. Eternal Association with the Father and Christ, 451
     3. Membership in the Church of the Firstborn, 451
     4. Joint Inheritance with Christ, 452
     5. The Fulness and Glory of a Celestial Body, 452
     6. Priesthood Authority, 453
     7. Eternal Companionship of a Beloved Spouse, 453
     8. Eternal Powers of Procreation, 454
     9. Family Relationships with Progenitors and Descendants, 456
The Patriarchal Order, 456
The Line of Authority Following the Resurrection, 457
Sealing the Family Unit Together, 459
   10. Thrones, Kingdoms, Principalities, Powers and Dominions, 460
   11. Admittance to the City of the Living God, 460
Heads of Dispensations Will Verify Worthiness, 461
Descriptions of the Celestial Kingdom and City, 462
Descriptions of Buildings Within the Celestialized City, 466
   12. Inheritance on the Celestialized Earth, 467
The "New" and "Holy" Jerusalems, 468
Less-populated Areas in the Celestial Kingdom, 469
   13. Association with Celestial Beings, Resurrected Animals, 472
   14. Perfect Knowledge, 472
   15. Governing and Lawgiving Jurisdiction, 474
   16. The Powers of Godhood, 474
The Plurality of Gods, 475
God the Father was Once as Man is Now, 477
The Gods in Grand Council, 478
Christ Did on Earth What His Father Had Done Previously, 478
As God Now is, Man May Be, 480

BIBLIOGRAPHY, 485

SCRIPTURES AND HISTORICAL SOURCES QUOTED, 491

SUMMARY OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AND MANIFESTATIONS CITED, 501

INDEX, 523

Order Information

Title:

Life Everlasting--A Definitive Study of
Life After Death (2nd Revised Edition)

Author:

Duane S. Crowther

Retail Price:

$26.99

Available:

Now

ISBN:

0-88290-800-6

Order Number (SKU):

1954P

Pages:

532

Size:

6" X 9"

Binding:

Paperback