Spiritual Advice and Guidance Blog: Urantia Book

Q: How much time will we have to live in heaven/paradise? forever or a certain amount of time?

A: Thanks for this note to Truthbook.com. Your question is a very good and thoughtful one. I suppose most people imagine that once they get to Paradise, that the adventure is over, and that they will be in God's embrace forever. And that might be an obvious imagining before the revelation of The Urantia Book.

The Urantia Book reveals to us a near-endless journey of spiritual growth, universe education, and fellowship provided by God's plan of ascension. It is a plan that is provided for all who will accept their sonship with God - all who choose to survive after death. But, there will come a time when we will have achieved our initial goal - we will step onto the shores of Paradise, there to stand in the Presence of God, and be embraced as the true spirit beings that we have become through countless ages of adventure and determination. One might think that this is the end - we have reached our goal. But, such is likely not the case in the Father's plan...

Part of the revelation of The Urantia Book is the Corps of the Finality. This Corps is comprised of, among others, spiritual beings who in their former life were human mortals - mortals born into the worlds of time and space - mortals like you and me.

The Corps of the Finality appears to be the next goal that we will have before us, once we arrive and become permanent residents of Paradise.

(31:0.1) "THE CORPS OF MORTAL Finaliters represents the present known destination of the ascending Adjuster-fused mortals of time."

The authors of this paper do not say that they know for certain, but they conjecture that the ultimate goal of this Paradise corps of mortal ascenders is to serve in an expanded way in the now-forming universes of time and space in the outer space levels of the master universe:

(31:3.2) We of Uversa do not know the "finality destiny" of the ascendant mortals of time. At present they reside on Paradise and temporarily serve in the Corps of Light and Life, but such a tremendous course of ascendant training and such lengthy universe discipline must be designed to qualify them for even greater tests of trust and more sublime services of responsibility.

We see from this passage that our eternal residence will be on Paradise, but is that our final goal? They further state:

(31:10.8) But though we really know nothing about the plans of the Architects of the Master Universe respecting these outer creations, nevertheless, of three things we are certain:

1. There actually is a vast and new system of universes gradually organizing in the domains of outer space. New orders of physical creations, enormous and gigantic circles of swarming universes upon universes far out beyond the present bounds of the peopled and organized creations, are actually visible through your telescopes. At present, these outer creations are wholly physical; they are apparently uninhabited and seem to be devoid of creature administration.

2. For ages upon ages there continues the unexplained and wholly mysterious Paradise mobilization of the perfected and ascendant beings of time and space, in association with the six other finaliter corps.

(31:10.12)...can we be criticized for anticipating that something new and unrevealed is approaching culmination in the master universe? ...It is increasingly the belief of all Uversa that the assembling Corps of the Finality are destined to some future service in the universes of outer space, where we already are able to identify the clustering of at least seventy thousand aggregations of matter, each of which is greater than any one of the present superuniverses.

(31:10.13) Evolutionary mortals are born on the planets of space, pass through the morontia worlds, ascend the spirit universes, traverse the Havona spheres, find God, attain Paradise, and are mustered into the primary Corps of the Finality, therein to await the next assignment of universe service. There are six other assembling finality corps, but Grandfanda, the first mortal ascender, presides as Paradise chief of all orders of finaliters. And as we view this sublime spectacle, we all exclaim: What a glorious destiny for the animal-origin children of time, the material sons of space!

If you have read any of the cosmology of The Urantia Book - specifically those cosmologies having to do with the vast and almost unimaginable size of our present superuniverse, it might seem reasonable to think that within these evolving and gigantic creations, countless worlds will evolve - worlds that may even be something like our earth - worlds that will one day benefit from visitations of spiritual beings who will be sent as ambassadors from Paradise. Could this be our destiny? To travel the vast universe as ambassadors from Paradise, helping, revealing and educating evolving civilizations in the ways of God? Here is why we may qualify for this thrilling destiny:

(31:3.7) 3. The glorified mortals of the Paradise corps of finality are ascendant beings in possession of experiential knowledge of every step of the actuality and philosophy of the fullest possible life of intelligent existence, while during the ages of this ascent from the lowest material worlds to the spiritual heights of Paradise, these surviving creatures have been trained to the limits of their capacity respecting every detail of every divine principle of the just and efficient, as well as merciful and patient, administration of all the universal creation of time and space.

Again, the authors consider such thinking as conjecture, but they do invite us to conjecture freely, and add up the things that we DO know in an effort to discern what it all means.

Personally, I find such a thought very thrilling indeed. One thing we do know is that in God's universe, "progress" is the watchword. It seems reasonable to assume that, even after attaining Paradise, we will be expected to progress in some way. Even though our universe home will be on Paradise, this idea of serving as ambassadors to these now-forming creations, just as we have been visited and served by other spiritual orders of universe beings throughout our earth history seems both reasonable, and quite exciting!

I cannot say for certain whether this destiny truly awaits us, but I invite you to go HERE, which is the link to Paper 31, which deals exclusively with the Corps of the Finality, and the adventure that might await us as Finaliters. And HERE, is the specific section that deals with the Corps and glorified mortals. You can then make up your own mind as to the destiny that awaits you. It also might be a fun exercise for you to use our convenient SEARCH feature to find all the references to the Corps of the Finality. I guarantee that you will find it a fascinating journey!

Again, I thank you for this most interesting, and important, question.

Labels: ascension scheme, Corps of the Finality, heaven, The Urantia Book

Permalink

Friday, November 20, 2009

How do you move on when surrounded by circumstances which reminds you of a past life?

Q: How do you move on when surrounded by circumstances which reminds you of a past life?

A: Thanks for your note to Truthbook.com. We are always happy to try and assist our friends with their concerns, if we can...

Your question may have to do with either a kind of life which you led in your present life on this earth, and no longer lead - or, I am wondering if you are asking about a past life, as in reincarnation...?

Moving forward in a new kind of life, after renouncing a kind of life that we no longer wish to lead can be a challenge. And here, I am going to assume that you want to move forward in a spiritual, or moral sense. (I apologize if this is not correct.) When once we decide to adopt a better way of living, we are always faced with the remnants of the old life. It can take time to implement the new behaviors - to replace old habits with new and better ones. On this subject, Jesus teaches:

"Forewarn all believers regarding the fringe of conflict which must be traversed by all who pass from the life as it is lived in the flesh to the higher life as it is lived in the spirit. To those who live quite wholly within either realm, there is little conflict or confusion, but all are doomed to experience more or less uncertainty during the times of transition between the two levels of living. In entering the kingdom, you cannot escape its responsibilities or avoid its obligations, but remember: The gospel yoke is easy and the burden of truth is light." (159:3.7)

With determination and perseverance, the old patterns gradually fade, as we increasingly experience the joys and satisfactions of the newer and better ways. Success breeds success, and so one has to just keep reinforcing that success by living one's inner truth, and staying close to God. The circumstances of the old ways can be a hindrance at first - we can be surrounded by the reminders of the way we used to live; but in time, all of that will fade if we remain true to our desire to be better and do better. Don't lose faith. God will help you to overcome even the most difficult circumstances if you are sincere in your desires.

If your question is regarding your belief that you had a previous life in another reincarnation, I would have to advise you that your belief may need a revision. Reincarnation is a belief that many hold. I also had this belief at one time, but I no longer believe it to be true.

Jesus taught that reincarnation is not true. What IS true is that, rather than reincarnating on this planet again and again, we are resurrected into the new life of the Father's ascension plan after our death. In this new life, we do experience many "translations," rising ever higher, from mortal to spirit status, but the life that we experience here on earth is our one and only life in the flesh. It is the "vale of soul-making." Once we die here, we are never doomed to have to repeat the earthly life, but the soul that was created here is an entity of eternal value and will more forward. .

I find this teaching far more attractive and believable than reincarnation, which seems to me to be quite a dismal proposition, especially since our world is such a dark world, torn by rebellion and tainted by sin. The Father's plan provides an endless journey to true "enlightenment."

I hope that this reply has addressed your question. Please write back if it has not, or if you have any other questions. And thanks again for writing to us.

Labels: ascension scheme, change, God, Jesus, progress, reincarnation

Permalink

Sunday, August 09, 2009

Can you please help me to understand the various levels of realms in the heavens...?

Q: Can you please help me to understand the various levels of realms in the heavens and their hierarchy? For instance Salvington, Uversa, Edentia, Jerusem etc. I'm confused about them. Thank you.

A:Thanks for this interesting question. Yes, the hierarchy of the realms...we have quite a journey ahead of us!

All of the worlds that you mentioned are architectural spheres, meaning that they are not evolutionary planets such as Urantia, but are specially created for the express purposes of mortal ascension. Following are some of the features of these planets (as well as some you did not mention, but which are part of our ascension journey), and the order in which we will visit them. From the Urantia Book:

(15:7.5) Jerusem, the headquarters of your local system of Satania, has its seven worlds of transition culture, each of which is encircled by seven satellites, among which are the seven mansion worlds of morontia detention, man's first postmortal residence. As the term heaven has been used on Urantia, it has sometimes meant these seven mansion worlds, the first mansion world being denominated the first heaven, and so on to the seventh.

Edentia, the headquarters of your constellation of Norlatiadek, has its seventy satellites of socializing culture and training, on which ascenders sojourn upon the completion of the Jerusem regime of personality mobilization, unification, and realization.

Salvington, the capital of Nebadon, your local universe, is surrounded by ten university clusters of forty-nine spheres each. Hereon is man spiritualized following his constellation socialization.

Uminor the third, the headquarters of your minor sector, Ensa, is surrounded by the seven spheres of the higher physical studies of the ascendant life.

Umajor the fifth, the headquarters of your major sector, Splandon, is surrounded by the seventy spheres of the advancing intellectual training of the superuniverse.

Uversa, the headquarters of Orvonton, your superuniverse, is immediately surrounded by the seven higher universities of advanced spiritual training for ascending will creatures. Each of these seven clusters of wonder spheres consists of seventy specialized worlds containing thousands upon thousands of replete institutions and organizations devoted to universe training and spirit culture wherein the pilgrims of time are re-educated and re-examined preparatory to their long flight to Havona. The arriving pilgrims of time are always received on these associated worlds, but the departing graduates are always dispatched for Havona direct from the shores of Uversa.

Here are some additional study aids for you:

Ascension Plan Topical Study

Ascension Career Chart

Journey to Paradise Chart

You may also use our terrific search engine HERE to plug in any of the names of all of our future destinations to get even more information about the amazing journey that awaits us!

Labels: ascension scheme, Edentia, heaven, Jerusem, Salvington, The Urantia Book, Uversa

Permalink

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Why would someone choose NOT to survive? And are there really "swines" among us?

Q: I have more questions that after reading the UB has made me wonder how or why a personality would chose to NOT survive death and NOT to go on to a career in eternality. Do you know of such reasons other than genetic make-up or the self-destruction of the body so it can no longer function for thinking and reason?
Additionally, are there truly "swines" out there that UB tells us to not cast pearls upon? And if so, how do we know this or when do we know when to stop casting pearls? I always have hope that a grain of sand will perhaps reach into the soul of this so-called "swine" and lodge there like such as does in an oyster. The oyster tries so hard to throw off the grain of sand and in its struggle, it develops the beautiful pearl itself.

A: Thank you for your post and for your questions. I'll answer as best I can.
About choosing not to survive -- there are a number of different opinions about what transpires here because The Urantia Book is not very specific and this is a topic we're all interested in and concerned about. It is my opinion that relatively few, if any, people can actually choose not to survive death while in this life -- others disagree and think many people don't make it to the mansion worlds. In any event, we can see the results of some pretty atrocious people doing very bad things but I don't know that any of that equates to personality extinction; the angels know and understand our motives better than we do. The whole ascension scheme of surviving death to awaken on the mansion worlds, the remedial work and the 570 different levels of morontia life we experience while there, fusion with our adjuster, and the beginning of our paradise ascension career as spirit beings is so thorough and complete it doesn't seem to me to be designed for only a few ascenders. Each personality is unique -- we each will contribute to the unfolding of the Supreme -- so every personality that is extinguished leaves a void. So it's my interpretation that here on earth this non-survival concern is not something to worry about -- particularly since our world has had so much happen to knock it off course and we're experiencing the results of those abnormalities.

When the time does come to be able to make a full and informed choice about eternal personality survival only those spirit beings who no longer relate to reality would be candidates for non survival. That occurs when a being first begins to reflect upon themselves, starts to idolize their own personality, feeds their own ego, disengages spiritually from the cosmos -- as exemplified by Lucifer.

Yes, there are "swines" among us -- usually we won't recognize them but I'm sure they stood out in Jesus' eyes. Your analogy of a grain of sand is a good one and one worth striving for, even with difficult people. The world is full of difficult people who would be redeamable if the right circumstances were presented to them -- they can always have the opportunity for redemption on the mansion worlds however. Probably the best concept for what "swine" would be is that there are people who through faulty genetics or accident or bad personal choice no longer function with human will dignity -- their connection to the higher adjutant mind spirits has been cut off. They look human and talk human but are really very high grade animal beings -- they'd be sociopaths -- and there's probably little if anything any of us could do that would be of value for them; it never hurts though to try to place that grain of sand that can become a pearl.

Becoming perfect is an ideal -- good to hold before us in consciousness but unattainable on earth. The last perfect person was Jesus and before that was Eljah as far as we know. I think our Father in heaven wants us to become the best mortal being we're capable of during this life. We're not spirit beings -- we're so far from that state it's nearly incomprehensible -- we're material beings with a spirit impulse. We have this one material life to live and experience before we're off to a new level of experience that is closer to the spiritual existence but still far removed. We do well if while here not attempting to renounce our nature or to assume the cloak of being spiritual but if instead we work at being the best material being we can be, knowing that the more spiritual is our purpose.

Good that you're sticking with reading The Urantia Book -- like peeling an onion. It's a life-time journey of adventure and discovery. Yes, it certainly can be confusing, but that's not because it doesn't make sense, it's because we don't yet understand, and rereading improves comprehension and understanding. There's nothing else like it for the seeker.

There are my opinions and I hope they help provide some answers.

Labels: ascension scheme, casting pearls, survival, The Urantia Book

Permalink

Monthly Archives - Previous Articles
October 2005 November 2005 December 2005 January 2006 February 2006 March 2006 April 2006 May 2006 September 2006 October 2006 November 2006 December 2006 January 2007 February 2007 March 2007 April 2007 May 2007 July 2007 August 2007 September 2007 October 2007 November 2007 December 2007 January 2008 February 2008 March 2008 April 2008 May 2008 June 2008 July 2008 August 2008 September 2008 October 2008 November 2008 December 2008 January 2009 February 2009 March 2009 April 2009 May 2009 June 2009 July 2009 August 2009 September 2009 October 2009 November 2009 December 2009 January 2010 February 2010 March 2010

RSS Feed

The Urantia Book : Pictures of Jesus : Angel Pictures: Inspirational Quotes : Life After Death : Story of Jesus : Truthbook.com : Urantia : The Urantia Book