Origins of the Topic
1 Corinthians 15:40-41 makes a profound statement that is not easily explained without looking at the Hebrew concept of "glory" included in the verses
1 Corinthians 15:40-41
[40] There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
[41] There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
[40] There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
[41] There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
Commentary: These verses describe that some people will have a full understanding (as bright as the sun) of God's Word (celestial bodies), some people will have a lesser understanding (as bright as the moon) of God's Word (terrestrial bodies), and still other people will have some, but very little, understanding (as bright as a star) of God's Word. This concept is important since understanding God's Word is a matter of free will and each person has the choice to understand more or less of God's Word. This topic is very closely related to the topic on the Mysteries of the Gospel.
Old Testament
| Hebrew <halal> used to describe glory and righteousness (wisdom) |
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| Psalms 64:10 - The righteous shall be glad in the Lord, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory <halal>. |
| Hebrew <halal> used to describe glory and wisdom |
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Psalms 105:3 - Glory <halal> ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. Commentary: For Hebrews, the heart held wisdom.
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| Connects honor (glory) and wisdom and understanding |
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Proverbs 3:13-19 [13] Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. [14] For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. [15] She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. [16] Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. [17] Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. [18] She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. [19] The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. |
| <halal> used to describe glory and wisdom |
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| Proverbs 12:8 - A man shall be commended <halal> according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. |
| Wisdom and understanding are better than gold and silver |
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| Proverbs 16:16 - How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! |
| Glory (wisdom) can be transferred |
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| Isaiah 48:11 - For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another. |
| <halal> used to describe glory and wisdom |
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| Jeremiah 4:2 - And thou shalt swear, The Lord liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory <halal>. |
<halal> used to describe glory and wisdom - Key Verse - 
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Jeremiah 9:23-24 [23] Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory <halal> in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory <halal> in his might, let not the rich man glory <halal> in his riches: [24] But let him that glorieth glory <halal> in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. Commentary: These verses specifically state that glory is understanding and wisdom of God. Glory is also specifically defined as not the false wisdom of men.
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New Testament
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God gave glory (wisdom) to Jesus and Jesus gave glory (wisdom) to us - Key Verse -
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John 17:21-22 [21] That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. [22] And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: Commentary: These verses introduce the concept that glory can be transferred from one to another. We tend to think that only God has glory, which is true in the fact that all wisdom and knowledge comes from God. But, this states that the wisdom and knowledge that God has was transferred to Jesus and is then transferred to us.
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| Speaks of the hidden wisdom (glory) that will be shown to us eventually |
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1 Corinthians 2:7 - But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Commentary: Again, we think that glory only belongs to God, but this verse states that we also have glory (wisdom and knowledge).
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Paul asks God, the Father of glory (of all wisdom and understanding) to give the spirit of wisdom and knowledge to the saints at Ephesus - Key Verse -
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Ephesians 1:17-18 [17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: [18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, |
Book of Mormon
| Young people can understand God's wisdom |
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2 Nephi 1:45-48, 52, 62-67 [45] But I know that he hath not sought for power nor authority over you; but he hath sought the glory of God, and your own eternal welfare. [46] And ye have murmured because he hath been plain unto you. [47] Ye say that he hath used sharpness; ye say that he hath been angry with you. [48] But behold, his sharpness was the sharpness of the power of the word of God, which was in him; [52] And now my son Laman and also Lemuel and Sam, and also my sons who are the sons of Ishmael, behold, if ye will hearken unto the voice of Nephi, ye shall not perish. [62] Wherefore thy soul shall be blessed, and thou shalt dwell safely with thy brother Nephi; and thy days shall be spent in the service of thy God. [63] Wherefore, I know that thou art redeemed, because of the righteousness of thy Redeemer: for thou hast beheld, that in the fullness of time, he cometh to bring salvation unto men. [64] And thou hast beheld in thy youth his glory; wherefore, thou art blessed even as they unto whom he shall minister in the flesh: [65] For the Spirit is the same, yesterday, to-day, and for ever. [66] And the way is prepared from the fall of man, and salvation is free. [67] And men are instructed sufficiently, that they know good from evil. |
| People can have glory (wisdom). Wisdom can be passed to other people through writings |
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2 Nephi 15:1-7 [1] And now I, Nephi, can not write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking: for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost, the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men. [2] But behold, there are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written, and esteem them as things of nought. [3] But I, Nephi, have written what I have written; and I esteem it as of great worth, and especially unto my people. [4] For I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry; and I know that the Lord God will consecrate my prayers, for the gain of my people. [5] And the words which I have written in weakness, will he make strong unto them; for it persuadeth them to do good; it maketh known unto them of their fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and persuadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end, which is life eternal. [6] And it speaketh harsh against sin, according to the plainness of the truth; wherefore, no man will be angry at the words which I have written, save he shall be of the spirit of the devil. [7] I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell. |
| God tries to cultivate glory (wisdom) in people |
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Jacob 3:115-117 [115] And behold, the roots of the natural branches of the tree which I planted whithersoever I would, are yet alive; [116] Wherefore, that I may preserve them also, for mine own purpose, I will take of the branches of this tree, and I will graft them in unto them. [117] Yea, I will graft in unto them the branches of their mother tree, that I may preserve the roots also unto mine own self, that when they shall be sufficiently strong, perhaps they may bring forth good fruit unto me, and I may yet have glory in the fruit of my vineyard. |
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People have free will to receive as much of God's wisdom as they want - Key Verse -
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Alma 9:13-20 [13] And Zeezrom began to inquire of them diligently, that he might know more concerning the kingdom of God. [14] And he said unto Alma, What does this mean which Amulek hath spoken concerning the resurrection of the dead, that all shall rise from the dead, both the just and the unjust, and are brought to stand before God, to be judged according to their works? [15] And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying, It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; [16] Nevertheless they are laid under a strict command, that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word, which he doth grant unto the children of men; according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him; [17] And therefore he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; [18] And he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God, until they know them in full; [19] And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word, until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; [20] And then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Commentary: These verses speak to the same concept described in 1 Corinthians 15:40-41. Knowledge and wisdom unlock, or make known, the mysteries of God. The ability to understand God's Word is connected to free will. If people want wisdom, they will open their hearts (Hebrew tradition states that the heart holds wisdom). If people do not want to know about God's word, they will close their heart (close their wisdom).
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| People can have glory (wisdom) |
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Alma 15:59-60 [59] For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word; yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true. [60] I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it: I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; |
| We will be shown great glory (wisdom) at the last day. Glory can be shown |
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Moroni 7:35-37 [35] And Christ hath said, If ye will have faith in me, ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me. [36] And he hath said, Repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved. [37] And now my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will shew unto you with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true; |
Statements of Belief
- No Found or Stated Position
- Consistent with Scripture
- Partially Consistent with Scripture
- Inconsistent with ScriptureAnabaptism -
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Assyrian Church -
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Church of Jesus Christ (Restoration Branches) -
[IV] 1 Corinthians 15:40-41 [40] Also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial, and bodies telestial; but the glory of the celestial, one; and the terrestrial, another; and the telestial, another. [41] There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory.
Commentary: The Inspired Version has a more complete verse than the King James version.
[IV] Genesis 6:64 Therefore it is given to abide in you, the record of heaven, the Comforter, the peaceable things of immortal glory, the truth of all things, that which quickeneth all things which maketh alive all things, that which knoweth all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice and judgment.
Commentary: The Holy Spirit (also called Comforter or the record of Heaven) are glory given to people, which are knowledge, wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment.
RLDS Doctrine and Covenants, Section 76:5b, 5r
[5b] They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name, and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name, and this according to the commandment which he has given, that by keeping the commandments, they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, [5r] these are they whose bodies are celestial, whose glory is that of the sun, even the glory of God the highest of all; whose glory the sun of the firmament is written of as being typical.
RLDS Doctrine and Covenants, Section 76:6f - these are they who receive of the presence of the Son, but not of the fullness of the Father; wherefore they are bodies terrestrial, and not bodies celestial, and differ in glory as the moon differs from the sun;
RLDS Doctrine and Covenants, Section 76:7f-7i
[7f] these are they who receive not of his fullness in the eternal world, but of the Holy Spirit through the ministration of the terrestrial; and the terrestrial through the ministration of the celestial: and also the telestial receive it of the angels, who are appointed to minister for them, or who are appointed to be ministering spirits for them, for they shall be heirs of salvation. [7g] And thus we saw in the heavenly vision, the glory of the telestial which surpasses all understanding; and no man knows it except him to whom God has revealed it. [7h] And thus we saw the glory of the terrestrial, which excels in all things the glory of the telestial, even in glory, and in power, and in might, and in dominion. [7i] And thus we saw the glory of the celestial, which excels in all things; where God, even the Father, reigns upon his throne for ever and ever, before whose throne all things bow in humble reverence and give him glory for ever and ever.
RLDS Doctrine and Covenants, Section 76:8a-8c
[8a] But great and marvelous are the works of the Lord and the mysteries of his kingdom which he showed unto us, which surpasses all understanding in glory, and in might, and in dominion, which he commanded us we should not write, while we were are not lawful for man to utter, [8b] neither is man capable to make them known, for they are only to be seen and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those who love him and purify themselves before him; to whom he grants this privilege of seeing and knowing for themselves; [8c] that through the power and manifestation of the Spirit, while in the flesh, they may be able to bear his presence in the world of glory. And to God and the Lamb be glory, and honor, and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
RLDS Doctrine and Covenants, Section 98:9a-9c
[9a] Again, verily I say unto you, I will show unto you wisdom in me concerning all the churches, inasmuch as they are willing to be guided in a right and proper way for their salvation, that the work of the gathering together of my Saints may up unto my name upon holy places; for the time of harvest is come, and my word must needs be fulfilled. [9b] Therefore, I must gather together my people according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory when I shall come in the kingdom of man according as his work shall be; [9c] while the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made strong, that they may be burned with unquenchable fire.
[5b] They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name, and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name, and this according to the commandment which he has given, that by keeping the commandments, they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, [5r] these are they whose bodies are celestial, whose glory is that of the sun, even the glory of God the highest of all; whose glory the sun of the firmament is written of as being typical.
RLDS Doctrine and Covenants, Section 76:6f - these are they who receive of the presence of the Son, but not of the fullness of the Father; wherefore they are bodies terrestrial, and not bodies celestial, and differ in glory as the moon differs from the sun;
RLDS Doctrine and Covenants, Section 76:7f-7i
[7f] these are they who receive not of his fullness in the eternal world, but of the Holy Spirit through the ministration of the terrestrial; and the terrestrial through the ministration of the celestial: and also the telestial receive it of the angels, who are appointed to minister for them, or who are appointed to be ministering spirits for them, for they shall be heirs of salvation. [7g] And thus we saw in the heavenly vision, the glory of the telestial which surpasses all understanding; and no man knows it except him to whom God has revealed it. [7h] And thus we saw the glory of the terrestrial, which excels in all things the glory of the telestial, even in glory, and in power, and in might, and in dominion. [7i] And thus we saw the glory of the celestial, which excels in all things; where God, even the Father, reigns upon his throne for ever and ever, before whose throne all things bow in humble reverence and give him glory for ever and ever.
RLDS Doctrine and Covenants, Section 76:8a-8c
[8a] But great and marvelous are the works of the Lord and the mysteries of his kingdom which he showed unto us, which surpasses all understanding in glory, and in might, and in dominion, which he commanded us we should not write, while we were are not lawful for man to utter, [8b] neither is man capable to make them known, for they are only to be seen and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those who love him and purify themselves before him; to whom he grants this privilege of seeing and knowing for themselves; [8c] that through the power and manifestation of the Spirit, while in the flesh, they may be able to bear his presence in the world of glory. And to God and the Lamb be glory, and honor, and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
RLDS Doctrine and Covenants, Section 98:9a-9c
[9a] Again, verily I say unto you, I will show unto you wisdom in me concerning all the churches, inasmuch as they are willing to be guided in a right and proper way for their salvation, that the work of the gathering together of my Saints may up unto my name upon holy places; for the time of harvest is come, and my word must needs be fulfilled. [9b] Therefore, I must gather together my people according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory when I shall come in the kingdom of man according as his work shall be; [9c] while the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made strong, that they may be burned with unquenchable fire.
Commentary: The descriptions of glory as varying degrees of wisdom is consistent with the scriptures.
(Utah) Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints -
LDS Doctrine and Covenants, Section 131:1-4
Section 131 Summary: Celestial marriage is essential to exaltation in the highest heaven; [1] In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees; [2] And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; [3] And if he does not, he cannot obtain it. [4] He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase.
Commentary: The scriptures are clear that celestial glory only means a fullness of wisdom. These statements refer to it as a place and it also puts a requirement that priesthood is required to achieve celestial glory, both of these concepts deviate from the scriptures.
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