“They Have a Part in the First Resurrection”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet

Modern revelation speaks of another group of persons who have “died without law” (D&C 76:72), the heathen nations, “they that knew no law.” These “shall have part in the first resurrection; and it shall be tolerable for them” (D&C 45:54; italics added). Such persons shall indeed come forth in the first resurrection, but in the afternoon thereof; theirs is a terrestrial glory (see D&C 76:71-72), and thus they will not enjoy that eternal life of which Abinadi spoke.

As the authors have written elsewhere, “that redemption that requires ’no law’ (meaning that they have not accepted the gospel) and extends a reward that is ’tolerable’ cannot be confused with the blessings associated with the morning of the first resurrection” (The Life Beyond, p. 124).

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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