Trying to verify the accuracy, reliability and context of the quotes of Church Leaders on this topic was a challenge. For example the 1st quote attributed to Elder Packer which was actually a quote, of a leader who quoted another leader who was reading from the writings of yet another leader.
Notwithstanding the challenge, I will share the quotes I have found which are proposed by some to support the doctrine of progression between the kingdoms. I will quote them as I found them, and then distinguish them.
1. Boyd K. Packer, “The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 18
‘Some years ago I was in Washington, D.C., with President Harold B. Lee. Early one morning he called me to come into his hotel room. He was sitting in his robe reading Gospel Doctrine, by President Joseph F. Smith, and he said, “Listen to this!”
“Jesus had not finished his work when his body was slain, neither did he finish it after his resurrection from the dead; although he had accomplished the purpose for which he then came to the earth, he had not fulfilled all his work. And when will he? Not until he has redeemed and saved every son and daughter of our father Adam that have been or ever will be born upon this earth to the end of time, except the sons of perdition. That is his mission. We will not finish our work until we have saved ourselves, and then not until we shall have saved all depending upon us; for we are to become saviors upon Mount Zion, as well as Christ. We are called to this mission.”
“There is never a time,” the Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “when the spirit is too old to approach God. All are within the reach of pardoning mercy, who have not committed the unpardonable sin.”’
Considerations
A. While this quote is attributed to Elder Packer, the teaching on the issue was actually at it root from the writings of President Joseph F. Smith, whose writing were being read to Elder Packer by Harold B. Lee.
B. Given the circumstances and the format of the source it cannot be argued that it was doctrine, but much rather opinion, though granted it was an opinion of a wise and holy leader of God. Though no scriptures are cited as support, In the footnote form the same talk discussed next, Elder Packer does cite some scripture in support of his qualifying statement.
C. It should be noted that in footnote 15 of that same talk, Elder Packer notes; “Forgiveness will come eventually to all repentant souls who have not committed the unpardonable sin (see Matt. 12:31). Forgiveness does not, however, necessarily assure exaltation, as is the case with David (see D&C 132:38–39; see also Ps. 16:10; Acts 2:25–27; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 339).” …Elder Packer seems to be qualifying the teaching, to exclude the sons of perdition, and to distinguish in part salvation from the concept of exaltation, mentioning King David as an example.
2. Brigham Young, (Wilford Woodruff Journal, 5 Aug 1855)
“None would inherit this earth when it became celestial and translated into the presence of God but those who would be crowned as Gods — all others would have to inherit another kingdom — they would eventually have the privilege of proving themselves worthy and advancing to a celestial kingdom but it would be a slow process [progress?].”
Considerations
A. This entry was made by Wilford Woodruff of purported comments made by Brigham Young in discussions after a private prayer meeting. They were not delivered in public nor over the pulpit, and if credible would actually only reflect Brigham Young’s opinion, though one he adamantly held to, as reflected in other related entries. In none of them did Brigham Young cite scriptures as a basis for his view.
B. It is interesting to note that the same source used there is also used by apostates to support the claim that Brigham Young taught that Adam was God,_i.e. “the Adam God Theory” which theory itself contradicts many of Brigham Young's other teachings as to who God, Elohim, truly was and is. Thus, the credibility of his claim about progression should at least be as questionable as his alleged teachings about the Adam God Theory.
3. Joseph F. Smith, (Improvement Era 14:87 [November 1910])
“Once a person enters these glories there will be eternal progress in the line of each of these particular glories, but the privilege of passing from one to another (though this may be possible for especially gifted and faithful characters) is not provided for.”
Considerations
A. Taken in In context it seems clear the this idea was not being taught as doctrine, in fact words like “It may be possible” are clear indicators that this is opinion of one pondering over the possibilities. Note he does not cite scriptures in this quote in support of his view.
B. President Smith seems to be indicating that there may be progression within the kingdoms but not between kingdoms except in limited cases.
C. This quote needs to be read in light of the previous quote Joseph F. Smith, mentioned by Elder Packer, as it seems to qualify that quote to some degree.
4. J. Reuben Clark, (Church News, 23 April 1960, p. 3)
“I am not a strict constructionalist, believing that we seal our eternal progress by what we do here. It is my belief that God will save all of His children that he can: and while, if we live unrighteously here, we shall not go to the other side in the same status, so to speak, as those who lived righteously; nevertheless, the unrighteous will have their chance, and in the eons of the eternities that are to follow, they, too, may climb to the destinies to which they who are righteous and serve God, have climbed to those eternities that are to come.”
Considerations
A. Given my limited research tools, I was not ale to find the church news edition in question to check the quote with context, however, articles in the Church news are neither canonized nor published as doctrine.
B. It seems clear from the quote the Elder Clark, recognized that there were opposing views, even labeling those who held a view different from his as “Constructionalists.” His distinguishing his view form theirs is an indication that he is expressing opinion, though that opinion clearly is that there will be progression between kingdoms. We can only guess that by the term contructionalist he was referring to how one views/ interprets the scriptures, but it should be noted that he does not cite scripture in support of his view.
5. James E. Talmage, (The Articles of Faith [1899 edition] pp. 420-421)
“It is reasonable to believe, in the absence of direct revelation by which alone absolute knowledge of the matter could be acquired, that, in accordance with God’s plan of eternal progression, advancement from grade to grade within any kingdom, and from kingdom to kingdom, will be provided for. But if the recipients of a lower glory be enabled to advance, surely the intelligences of higher rank will not be stopped in their progress; and thus we may conclude, that degrees and grades will ever characterize the kingdoms of our God. Eternity is progressive; perfection is relative; the essential feature of God’s living purpose is its associated power of eternal increase.”
Considerations
A. While Elder Talmage was a scripture scholar, his book on the Articles of Faith is not doctrine. His statement that it is reasonable to believe indicate that the expression is his opinion. He does not cite scripture in support of the belief expressed.
B. It should be noted that in some later and the current edition of Articles of Faith, that opinion has been changed in part to read “…advancement within each of the three specified kingdoms will be provided for; though as to possible progress from one kingdom to another the scripture make no positive affirmation….”. It is significant that the scriptural scholar, admits here that there is no scriptural support for the claim of progression between kingdoms. The suggestion is also left open by inference that the scriptures might make negative affirmations as to that possibility, which I will demonstrate in another section is actually the case. Interestingly the record also remains silent as to any scriptural evidence of the possibility of progress within kingdoms. (This change in views can be explained by a change in the author’s beliefs, for he later taught n conference that there would be no progression between kingdoms as is outlined in a quote in the next post)
6. John A. Widtsoe (Fundamentals of Temple Doctrine,” 132)
Moreover our punishment stands, at least measurably, throughout the endless ages, because, as we go onward, those above us go onward also, and the relative positions remain the same..
Consideration
A . If correctly quoted, this was an expression of opinion, not doctrine. The actual publication is the Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine 13 (June 1922):129-35? With the “Fundamentals of Temple Doctrine” apparently being the title of the essay.
B. This quote is too vague to be definitive or even helpful without further writings or context. It could just as easily be a reference to some other principle.
7. Orson F. Whitney (Conference Report, Apr. 1929, p. 110)
“The Prophet Joseph Smith declared—and he never taught a more comforting doctrine—that the eternal sealings of faithful parents and the divine promises made to them for valiant service in the Cause of Truth, would save not only themselves, but likewise their posterity. Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the Shepherd is upon them, and sooner or later they will feel the tentacles of Divine Providence reaching out after them and drawing them back to the fold. Either in this life or the life to come, they will return. They will have to pay their debt to justice; they will suffer for their sins; and may tread a thorny path; but if it leads them at last, like the penitent Prodigal, to a loving and forgiving father’s heart and home, the painful experience will not have been in vain. Pray for your careless and disobedient children; hold on to them with your faith. Hope on, trust on, till you see the salvation of God.”
Considerations
A. While this quote does not cite scriptural authority, but attributes it to a teaching of Joseph Smith, I still love this quote, and believe it to be true! I have used it in counseling with many parents whose children have rebelled. However, I have never considered it to be supportive of the doctrine of progression between kingdoms. It is possible that the prophet was referring to the life to come as that in the place of the spirits ,where the disobedient and rebellious will yet learn and grow, where we know at least in some cases their will be repentance, and the decisions they make there may, in the end, lead them to the Father’s home.
B. In April 2003, Elder Faust referred to this very teaching his talk “Dear Are the Sheep That Have Wandered” Stating; “We remember that the prodigal son wasted his inheritance, and when it was all gone he came back to his father’s house. There he was welcomed back into the family, but his inheritance was spent.11 Mercy will not rob justice, and the sealing power of faithful parents will only claim wayward children upon the condition of their repentance and Christ’s Atonement. Repentant wayward children will enjoy salvation and all the blessings that go with it, but exaltation is much more. It must be fully earned. The question as to who will be exalted must be left to the Lord in His mercy.” While he did not say it could not happen, he did express a view that the guarantee of exaltation was by no means certain.
8. Lorenzo Snow (Collected Discourses, comp. Brian H. Stuy, 5 vols. [1987–92], 3:364).
“If you succeed in passing through these trials and afflictions and receive a resurrection, you will, by the power of the Priesthood, work and labor, as the Son of God has, until you get all your sons and daughters in the path of exaltation and glory. This is just as sure as that the sun rose this morning over yonder mountains. Therefore, mourn not because all your sons and daughters do not follow in the path that you have marked out to them, or give heed to your counsels. Inasmuch as we succeed in securing eternal glory, and stand as saviors, and as kings and priests to our God, we will save our posterity” (in Collected Discourses, comp. Brian H. Stuy, 5 vols. [1987–92], 3:364).
Considerations
A. while I was unable to verify the source, and was unwilling to purchase the book claimed as the source, the context of this quote is lacking. However, it is important to me that I discovered that the compiler is a contributor to the apostate “Sunstone Magazine,” and exudes an apostate spirit, so the credibility of this quote remains questionable in my mind.
B. Even if the quote were contextually and historically accurate, it is important to remember the distinction between being in the path to exaltation, and being exalted inhabitant of the celestial kingdom, after having been an inhabitant of a lessor one. As with the previous statement, this could very well be a reference to the work in the place of the spirits and on the millennial earth, before the final resurrection and assignment to a kingdom of glory.