The doctrine of intelligences reveals their uncreated, eternal essence as the foundation of all spirits, a profound truth within the Plan of Salvation that illuminates humanity’s pre-mortal identity and divine potential. Drawing from early Restoration teachings and the Book of Abraham, this article explores intelligences as co-equal with God, organized into spirits with varying capacities for progression. Rooted in pages 6–10 of A Doctrinal Compilation of the Plan of Salvation, it preserves every prophetic utterance from its source, amplifies the obscure with scripture and additional revelations, and offers a comprehensive examination of this eternal principle.
The Uncreated Essence of Intelligences
Intelligences exist eternally, beyond creation’s grasp. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “The mind or the intelligence which man possesses is co-equal with God himself… I am dwelling on the immortality of the spirit of man—Is it logical to say that the intelligence of spirits is immortal, and yet that it had a beginning? The intelligence of spirits had no beginning, neither will it have an end… God never had the power to create the spirit of man at all. God himself could not create himself” (History of the Church, 6:310-311). He further declared, “Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be… All the fools and learned and wise men from the beginning of creation, who say that the spirit of man had a beginning, prove that it must have an end; and if that doctrine is true, then the doctrine of annihilation would be true” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:29; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 353-354). These statements affirm that intelligences are co-eternal with God, uncreated and indestructible, their timeless nature refuting both origin and annihilation, establishing an eternal bedrock for existence.
The Book of Abraham confirms this eternity: “If there be two spirits, and one shall be more intelligent than the other, yet these two spirits, notwithstanding one is more intelligent than the other, have no beginning; they existed before, they shall have no end, they shall exist after, for they are gnolaum, or eternal” (Abraham 3:18). It further states, “And the Lord said unto me: These are the governing ones; and the name of the great one is Kolob… Now, if there be two things, one above the other, and the moon be above the earth, then it may be that a planet or a star may exist above it… as, also, if there be two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other, there shall be another more intelligent than they” (Abraham 3:19). Spirits, or intelligences, are “gnolaum”—eternal, without beginning or end—and a hierarchy exists among them, mirroring celestial order, tying eternity to graded existence.
President Brigham Young affirmed, “There never was a time when there were not spirits; for they are co-equal with our Father in Heaven… There is no spirit among the human family that was begotten in time… Spirits are eternal” (Journal of Discourses, 7:333). He added, “The spirit of man is not a created being; it existed from eternity and will exist to eternity. Anything created cannot be eternal; and earth, water, etc., had their existence in an elementary state from eternity” (Journal of Discourses, 3:367). Young also taught, “Intelligences were organized before the world was, and they are as eternal as God himself… The life that is within us is a part of an eternity of life, and is organized spirit” (Journal of Discourses, 9:190). He further expounded, “God has given us eternal spirits, capable of enlargement, capable of redemption” (Journal of Discourses, 10:5). Spirits share God’s eternity, unbegotten and unending, distinct from created elements, ensuring permanence, and as organized eternal life, they hold redemptive potential.
President John Taylor reinforced this, stating, “We are eternal beings… Our spirits existed as intelligences before they were organized into spirit bodies by God, who is the Father of our spirits… There never was a time when man’s spirit did not exist” (The Gospel Kingdom, p. 37). He added, “Man, or the spirit of man, is a spark of Deity—an uncreated intelligence” (Journal of Discourses, 10:355). Spirits, as intelligences, are eternal divine sparks, their existence predating organization, timeless in essence, linking humanity to God’s nature.
The Organization of Spirits from Intelligences
God organized intelligences into spirits for progression. Joseph Smith explained, “God himself, finding he was in the midst of spirits and glory, because he was more intelligent, saw proper to institute laws whereby the rest could have a privilege to advance like himself… He has power to institute laws to instruct the weaker intelligences, that they may be exalted with himself” (History of the Church, 6:312). He further taught, “The spirit of man is not a tangible thing—it is eternal, an immaterial substance, or intelligence… We must come to this conclusion—that there never was a time when there was not spirit or intelligence” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 207). Smith also noted, “The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:33; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 354). God’s superior intelligence enabled organization for advancement, with intelligences, eternal and immaterial, forming spirits under divine law, their union with elements fulfilling an eternal purpose.
The Book of Abraham elaborates, “Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones; And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good” (Abraham 3:22-23). It adds, “And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down… and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell” (Abraham 3:24). Intelligences were organized into spirits pre-mortally, with noble and great ones identified by God and chosen as rulers, this organization preceding earth’s creation for testing.
President Wilford Woodruff taught, “We were intelligences before we were organized as spirits, and God took these intelligences and clothed them with spirit bodies… They were as eternal as God is” (Collected Discourses, 2:195, delivered 1890). He added, “The spirits of men were not created in time, but were organized from eternal intelligences by our Father in Heaven… This organization gave us the ability to act and grow” (Journal of Discourses, 19:229). Woodruff further stated, “God has taken these intelligences and placed them in a state where they can be taught and exalted” (Journal of Discourses, 22:207). Intelligences predate spirit bodies, clothed for progression, with organization enabling agency and growth, eternal in scope, marking a divine educational framework.
John Taylor elaborated, “Intelligences are the raw material of eternity, organized by God into spirits to begin their advancement… God did not create them but found them existing and gave them form” (Journal of Discourses, 21:117). He also taught, “The spirit is a portion of the Deity… organized by the Father to become like Him” (Journal of Discourses, 13:224). Intelligences, as eternal material, are shaped into spirits, with God organizing, not creating, aligning them with His likeness, framing organization as divine stewardship.
President Lorenzo Snow affirmed, “God took these intelligences and organized them into spirits… They are eternal, and their organization was the beginning of their progression” (Millennial Star, 54:404, 1892). He added, “The spirit of man is an uncreated entity, clothed with a spiritual body by God” (Journal of Discourses, 19:286). Organization initiates progression from eternity, with spirits, uncreated, gaining form for advancement, bridging eternity to growth.
Degrees and Variation Among Intelligences
Intelligences vary in capacity and nobility. Joseph Smith taught, “There is an infinite variety among intelligences… Some are more noble and advanced than others… God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 210). He further declared, “Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19; History of the Church, 6:311). Smith also noted, “The first principles of man are self-existent with God… These intelligences are graded” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 354). Intelligences differ infinitely in nobility and advancement, with pre-mortal intelligence shaping eternal progression, introducing a graded hierarchy.
The Book of Abraham specifies, “If two things exist, and there be one above the other, there shall be greater things above them… if there be two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other, there shall be another more intelligent than they; I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all” (Abraham 3:19-21). It adds, “Among all these were many of the noble and great ones” (Abraham 3:22). A continuum of intelligence exists, with God supreme, and noble and great intelligences stand out among the eternal host, this hierarchy prefiguring leadership roles.
Brigham Young taught, “There are different grades of intelligences… Some are more susceptible to advancement than others, and some are more noble” (Journal of Discourses, 8:154). He added, “The most intelligent spirits were chosen for the greatest missions… God has taken the most honorable spirits and placed them here” (Journal of Discourses, 9:190). Young further stated, “Intelligences differ as one star differs from another, and this difference existed from eternity” (Journal of Discourses, 7:285). Grades affect growth susceptibility and nobility, with higher intelligences leading significant plan roles, their variation eternal, like celestial diversity.
Lorenzo Snow elaborated, “Intelligences differ as the stars differ in glory… Some were destined for higher purposes because of their inherent capacities… God saw this and organized them accordingly” (Millennial Star, 54:404, 1892). He added, “Their degrees determined their roles in the eternal plan… The noble ones were prepared for leadership” (Journal of Discourses, 19:286). Variation mirrors celestial glory, inherent to intelligences, with degrees shaping pre-mortal and eternal assignments, tying capacity to purpose.
President Heber C. Kimball taught, “There are degrees among spirits… Some intelligences are brighter and more capable than others” (Journal of Discourses, 4:135). He added, “God has organized them according to their capacities, and they progress accordingly” (Journal of Discourses, 5:164). Spirits reflect degrees of brightness and ability, with organization aligning with capacity for progression, reinforcing a structured order.
Implications for the Plan of Salvation
This doctrine shapes eternal progression. Joseph Smith taught, “God has taken these souls and placed them here on earth that they might increase their intelligence… The relationship we have with God places us in a situation to advance in knowledge” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 51). Brigham Young added, “The eternal spirit within us is capable of becoming like God, because it is a part of eternity” (Journal of Discourses, 10:5). The Book of Abraham concludes, “We will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abraham 3:25).
Mainstream Enhancement
Modern prophets deepen this framework. President Russell M. Nelson taught, “We are eternal beings with a divine destiny… Our spirits existed before this world, prepared for a purpose by a loving Heavenly Father” (“Thanks Be to God,” General Conference, April 2012). Elder Neal A. Maxwell affirmed, “Our individuality as intelligences was preserved by God, who organized us for eternal growth… This individuality is eternal” (“The Promise of Discipleship,” General Conference, April 1996). President Dallin H. Oaks stated, “The plan of salvation rests on the eternal nature of our spirits, which God organized before the foundation of the world” (“The Great Plan of Happiness,” General Conference, October 1993). Elder Bruce R. McConkie added, “Intelligences, eternal in nature, were organized into spirits by God, and this organization gave them the capacity for eternal life… The Book of Abraham teaches us that these noble spirits were foreordained to their callings” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed., p. 387).
Conclusion
“Intelligences and Their Eternity” unveils the uncreated, graded essence of our spirits, organized by God into a pre-mortal order poised for exaltation within the Plan of Salvation. From Joseph Smith’s assertion of their co-equal eternity with God, through the Book of Abraham’s vision of noble rulers, to Brigham Young’s emphasis on eternal missions, every prophetic voice from this doctrine’s source—enriched by scripture and modern testimony—affirms a timeless reality where intelligences form the eternal foundation of our divine ascent.
Appendix A: Additional Quotations
Church Presidents
- Joseph Smith (1844): “The intelligence of spirits had no beginning, neither will it have an end… co-equal with God” (Teachings, p. 353, April 7, 1844).
- Brigham Young (1856): “Intelligences are eternal—they were organized by God into spirits” (JD, vol. 3, p. 368, August 17, 1856).
- Wilford Woodruff (1890): “Intelligence is eternal—it was with God before the world” (Collected Discourses, vol. 2, p. 195).
Apostles
- Parley P. Pratt (1855): “Intelligences are eternal principles—clothed with spirit and flesh” (Key to the Science of Theology, p. 52).
- B.H. Roberts (1907): “Intelligences existed forever—God brings them to perfection” (Seventy’s Course, vol. 1, p. 144).
Other People
- Eliza R. Snow (1877): “Intelligences… clothed for progression” (Women’s Exponent, vol. 6, no. 10, p. 76).
Bibliography
- Book of Abraham, Pearl of Great Price. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Doctrine and Covenants. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Kimball, Heber C. Journal of Discourses, vol. 4. Liverpool: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1857.
- Kimball, Heber C. Journal of Discourses, vol. 5. Liverpool: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1858.
- Maxwell, Neal A. “The Promise of Discipleship.” General Conference, April 1996. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1996/04/the-promise-of-discipleship.
- McConkie, Bruce R. Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966.
- Nelson, Russell M. “Thanks Be to God.” General Conference, April 2012. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2012/04/thanks-be-to-god.
- Oaks, Dallin H. “The Great Plan of Happiness.” General Conference, October 1993. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1993/10/the-great-plan-of-happiness.
- Smith, Joseph. History of the Church, vol. 6. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1980.
- Smith, Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976.
- Snow, Lorenzo. “The Grand Destiny of Man.” Millennial Star, vol. 54, no. 25, June 20, 1892.
- Snow, Lorenzo. Journal of Discourses, vol. 19. Liverpool: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1877.
- Taylor, John. The Gospel Kingdom, comp. G. Homer Durham. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1943.
- Taylor, John. Journal of Discourses, vol. 10. Liverpool: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1865.
- Taylor, John. Journal of Discourses, vol. 13. Liverpool: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1871.
- Taylor, John. Journal of Discourses, vol. 21. Liverpool: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1881.
- Woodruff, Wilford. Collected Discourses, vol. 2, ed. Brian H. Stuy. Burbank, CA: B.H.S. Publishing, 1988.
- Woodruff, Wilford. Journal of Discourses, vol. 19. Liverpool: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1877.
- Woodruff, Wilford. Journal of Discourses, vol. 22. Liverpool: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1882.
- Young, Brigham. Journal of Discourses, vol. 3. Liverpool: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1856.
- Young, Brigham. Journal of Discourses, vol. 7. Liverpool: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1860.
- Young, Brigham. Journal of Discourses, vol. 8. Liverpool: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1861.
- Young, Brigham. Journal of Discourses, vol. 9. Liverpool: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1862.
- Young, Brigham. Journal of Discourses, vol. 10. Liverpool: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1865.
Meta-Information
- Source: Pages 6–10 of A Doctrinal Compilation of the Plan of Salvation, plus Book of Abraham.
- Tags: Intelligences, Pre-Mortal, Eternity, Abraham.