My research of alleged statements of church leaders, the expressions found in the Holy Scriptures and my understanding of the consistency of God’s system and His teachings concerning agency, some of which I will cover in greater detail in subsequent posts, have led me to the flowing conclusions with regard to the question of whether there will be progression between kingdoms after the final resurrection and judgment:
1. From the time of our mortal birth to the end of Christ's millennial reign and the final resurrection which will come about at that time, there will be chances for growth, change, repentance, and even possible qualification for the highest Kingdom of glory, (pre-resurrection progression).
2. Satan, his followers who kept not their first estate, and the sons of perdition, are the only exceptions to the above rule. Such beings are lost and will not have opportunity to repent in this life nor the next and will endure the final status of being outside a kingdom of glory, to dwell eternally in outer darkness.
3. After the final resurrection, and assignment to each of God’s children to a kingdom of glory based upon what they have through agency and grace become, there will be no progression within the kingdoms of glory nor between them. Perhaps it is that fact, and the tender mercies of loving God, that explain why the first resurrection is extended until the end of the millennial reign. (Rev 20:5) He is giving his children another thousand years so that at least some of them may qualify for greater glory before the last and final judgement.
4. The only progression after the resurrection will be in the sense of eternal increase for the exalted. God’s glory is to bring about the eternal life and exaltation of humankind. Every soul exalted adds to his glory, and his work among other worlds will continue into the eternities, thus he will progress in glory eternally, as will all those worthy of receiving all that the Father has. (See Moses 1:39 and Abraham 3:26)
It seems clear by the existence of the varied opinions of church leaders expressed on this topic, that there truly has not been a definitive doctrinal statement made on this issue. That being the case we are free to apply God’s gifts of knowledge, wisdom, inspiration, the scriptures and the writings of Church leaders, combined with sincere prayer and reliance upon the Holy Spirit, to form a conclusion on this question.
The purpose of this, and the following posts, is to supply support for my conclusion and to provide at least some reasoning, by way of warning, as to why adopting the view of eternal progression among kingdoms may in some cases may even be harmful.