[Teachldsseminary] Section 76 - Kingdom hopping

[Marji]

One more.

Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 238-239. 

Eternal Progression

 "Endowed with agency and subject to eternal laws, man began his progression
and advancement in pre-existence, his ultimate goal being to attain a state
of glory, honor, and exaltation like the Father of spirits. During his earth
life he gains a mortal body, receives experience in earthly things, and
prepares for a future eternity after the resurrection when he will continue
to gain knowledge and intelligence. (D. & C. 130:18-19.) This gradually
unfolding course of advancement and experience - a course that began in a
past eternity and will continue in ages future - is frequently referred to
as a course of eternal progression.

It is important to know, however, that for the overwhelming majority of
mankind, eternal progression has very definite limitations. In the full
sense, eternal progression is enjoyed only by those who receive exaltation.
Exalted persons gain the fullness of the Father; they have all power, all
knowledge, and all wisdom; they gain a fullness of truth, becoming one with
the Father. All other persons are assigned lesser places in the mansions
that are prepared, and their progression is not eternal and unlimited but in
a specified sphere. There will be truths such persons never learn, powers
they never possess. They are "ministering servants, to minister for those
who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of
glory," and they so continue "to all eternity, and ... forever and ever."
(D. & C. 132:16-17.)

Those who gain exaltation, having thus enjoyed the fullness of eternal
progression, become like God. It should be realized that God is not
progressing in knowledge, truth, virtue, wisdom, or any of the attributes of
godliness. He has already gained these things in their fullness. But he is
progressing in the sense that his creations increase, his dominions expand,
his spirit offspring multiply, and more kingdoms are added to his domains.
(Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 1, pp. 5-10.)" See CELESTIAL KINGDOM,
CELESTIAL MARRIAGE, CHURCH OF THE FIRSTBORN, DAUGHTERS OF GOD, ETERNAL LIFE,
ETERNAL LIVES, EXALTATION, FULNESS OF THE FATHER, GODHOOD, JOINT-HEIRS WITH
CHRIST.

I might also refer those interested to the interesting article "Eternal
Progression and the Foreknowledge of God by James R. Harris," in BYU
Studies, vol. 8 (1967-1968), 37-46, available on www.gospelink.com.

Marji