“That Great Church”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet

Presently we sustain earthly governments some of which are appreciably better than others but all of which fall short of that divine standard yet to be realized in a millennial day. In doing so we in no way evidence disloyalty to the King of kings; we are simply doing the best we can with what has been provided for the time being. It would be anticipated that with the dawning of a brighter day our adherence to man-made laws would be relinquished in favor of that which is more perfect.

As with governments, so also with churches: it is anticipated that the honest in heart will, when shown a more perfect way, eagerly embrace it. Many others, however, may not. Their pretense to religious devotion is born of convenience rather than allegiance to the true and living God. Hell is replete with such devotion; such constitute a major part of the citizenry of the dark realms of spirit prison and eventually the telestial or lowest degree of glory. Such are those described in the revelations as being “of Paul, and of Apollos, and of Cephas,” as well as “some of one and some of another,” those who “received not the gospel, neither the testimony of Jesus, neither the prophets, neither the everlasting covenant” (D&C 76:99-101).

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1

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