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Each mortal writes own 'book of life'

In D&C 88, the Lord provided light and knowledge pertaining to what determines whether a person will receive a celestial, terrestrial or telestial glory after mortality.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie elaborated on this subject in Mormon Doctrine under the entry "Book of Life":"In a real though figurative sense, the book of life is the record of the acts of men as such record is written in their own bodies. It is the record engraven on the very bones, sinews, and flesh of the mortal body. That is, every thought, word and deed has an effect on the human body; all these leave their marks, marks which can be read by Him who is Eternal as easily as the words in a book can be read.

"By obedience to telestial law men obtain telestial bodies; terrestrial law leads to terrestrial bodies; and conformity to celestial law - because this law includes the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost - results in the creation of a body which is clean, pure, and spotless, a celestial body. (D&C 88:16-32.) When the book of life is opened in the day of judgment (Rev. 20:12-15), men's bodies will show what law they have lived. The Great Judge will then read the record of the book of their lives; the account of their obedience or disobedience will be written in their bodies." (p. 97.)

Articles on this page may be used in conjunction with the Gospel Doctrine course of study.

Information compiled by John L. Hart, Julie A. Dockstader and R. Scott Lloyd.

Sources: Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 2; A Companion to Your Study of the Doctrine and Covenants, Daniel H. Ludlow, Vol. 2; "Missouri's Impact on the Church," Max H. Parkin, Ensign, April 1979; Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, edited by Edward L. Kimball; Mormon Doctrine, Bruce R. McConkie.

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