Seminary
Doctrinal Mastery: 1 Corinthians 15:40–42

Doctrinal Mastery: 1 Corinthians 15:40–42

In the Resurrection, There Are Three Degrees of Glory

An illustration showing Salvation and Exaltation: Sun & Moon and Stars

In a previous lesson, “1 Corinthians 15:32–54,” you learned about the three degrees of glory in the Resurrection. You also learned that our Father in Heaven will give the faithful celestial glory through Jesus Christ. This lesson can help you memorize the doctrinal mastery reference and key scripture phrase for 1 Corinthians 15:40–42, explain the doctrine, and apply principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge in real-life situations.

Memorize and explain

Complete the following steps to help you memorize and explain the doctrine taught in 1 Corinthians 15:40–42:

  1. Write “1 Corinthians 15:40–42: In the Resurrection, There Are Three Degrees of Glory” across the top of a piece of paper.

  2. Draw a sun beneath the phrase, a moon beneath the sun, and a star beneath the moon.

  3. Read 1 Corinthians 15:40–42, and label each of your drawings with the name of the glory that it represents. (Note that the Joseph Smith Translation of 1 Corinthians 15:40 adds a reference to telestial glory [in 1 Corinthians 15:40, footnote a].)

  4. Look at your drawing while repeating the scripture reference and key scripture phrase in your mind until you feel confident that you know them well.

  5. How would you explain the truths taught in this passage to someone who does not understand what happens after death in Heavenly Father’s plan? Write down your explanation in your own words.

Practice application

Applying the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge can help us with real-life situations and important questions we have.

Read the following scenarios, and choose one you would like to focus on for the next activity.

  1. Julia sincerely tries to do what’s right, but she often feels condemned because of her weaknesses. She believes that other people will go to the celestial kingdom but doubts that she will make it.

  2. Maria just heard a great talk about the gift of resurrection that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will give to everyone. She wonders, “Why should I repent or keep the commandments if everyone is going to be resurrected in a perfect immortal body anyway?”

In the previous lesson, you studied about the following truth taught in 1 Corinthians 15:40–42: in Heavenly Father’s plan, there are different degrees of glory for resurrected bodies. Use the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge and the truth taught in 1 Corinthians 15:40–42 to help either Julia or Maria with her concerns or questions.

Writing on a piece of paper with a pen or pencil. 1. Answer the questions under each of the following principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge in your study journal.

Examine concepts and questions with an eternal perspective

Read paragraph 8 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document (2022). Consider marking the two questions at the end of that paragraph.

  • How would the answers to those two questions apply to Julia’s or Maria’s situation.

Paragraph 8 also states, “We seek the help of the Holy Ghost in order to see things as the Lord sees them.”

  • What might the Lord see in this situation that would be helpful to Julia or Maria? Why?

Seek further understanding through divinely appointed sources

Read paragraphs 11–12 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document.

  • Where would you advise Julia or Maria to look for the truths that they need in their life?

  • What experiences have you had that show the importance of carefully choosing where you search for spiritual truth?

Take a few minutes to search for specific scriptures or prophetic statements that you feel apply to Julia’s or Maria’s situation. (Some scripture passages from recent lessons that may be helpful include 1 Corinthians 15:40–42; Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–52, 62–64, 69–70, 71–76, 81–85; 88:21–24.)

  • What did you find that you might share? How have the truths you found made a difference in your life?

Act in faith

Review paragraphs 5–6 in the “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge” section of the Doctrinal Mastery Core Document. Consider marking at least three different phrases or ideas that you think could help Julia or Maria.

  • What phrases did you choose? How could each of these phrases help Julia or Maria?

  • If you have had thoughts similar to Julia’s or Maria’s, what did you do to faithfully respond to those thoughts?

  • Why would each of these young women need to focus their faith on Jesus Christ as they work through their situation? Why not just do the best they can without focusing on Him?