It is known that there are two basic Christian positions. The Roman Catholic and the Eastern Orthodox. They both teach that the Savior founded their church and that they are the same today. The Protestant churches claims that the church the Savior established fell into apostasy, and so a 'Reformation' was necessary. It is also known that some Protestant churches, however, were formed more out of political disagreement than doctrinal interpretation.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints represents a third position. We agree that the early church fell into apostasy; what was needed, however, was not a man-made 'Reformation', but a God-given 'Restoration'. We believe that this restoration took place when God the Father and his son, Jesus Christ personally appeared to and called a prophet named Joseph Smith in the 1820s, who received, with his associates, significant divine communication sufficient for "...the restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." (Acts 3:21)

There is no mention of "Purgatory" in the Bible and I believe that the restoration of the gospel clarifies life after death. It has been made clear that the spirits of all men after death, go to the Spirit World to await the resurrection. The spirit world consists of "Spirit Prison" where those who have not had a good chance to learn the gospel, can still be taught. (See 1 Peter 3:18-20; 1 Peter 4:6) The spirits of the righteous go to Paradise (See Luke 23:42-43) to await the Resurrection and Judgment. We also believe that we will actually be judged in our resurrected bodies.

The best thing you could possibly do to insure your happiness and success after this life is to make sure you are a true follower of Christ. One can find his truth by praying and searching. (See Matthew 7:7 and James 1:5)

I hope this answered your questions.

Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


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