Understanding the Resurrection Phases
in the Last Days
Return to LDS Second Coming
of Christ Research Group
In the theology of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), the resurrection is a
universal gift made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, ensuring
that all who have lived will be resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:22). However, not
all are resurrected at the same time. The "Four Trumps of the
Resurrection" refer to the distinct phases or groups of resurrections that
occur in connection with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and extend through
the Millennium. The term "trumps" draws from scriptural imagery, such
as the trumpets in Revelation and Doctrine and Covenants, symbolizing divine
announcements that herald each resurrection phase. These phases are tied to the
eternal destinies of individuals—celestial, terrestrial, telestial,
and sons of perdition—as outlined in LDS doctrine (D&C 76). This subpage explores each trump, its timing, and its
significance, drawing from scriptural and prophetic teachings.
Note: This is not an official website of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The content reflects ongoing research by the
LDS Second Coming of Christ Research Group, based on scriptures and
authoritative sources, such as Elder Bruce R. McConkie’s
teachings.[](https://www.ldsliving.com/what-does-it-mean-to-come-forth-in-the-morning-of-the-first-resurrection/s/89035)
Timing: Begins
with Christ’s Resurrection and continues at His Second Coming, extending into
the early Millennium.
Scriptural
References: D&C 88:97–98; D&C 76:50–70; 1 Thessalonians
4:16–17; Matthew 27:52–53; 3 Nephi 23:9–10.
Description: The
first trump heralds the resurrection of those destined for the celestial
kingdom, the highest degree of glory. This group includes the “first fruits”
who were resurrected with Christ (e.g., righteous saints in
[](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-44-the-second-coming-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng) Significance: This
trump marks the completion of the initial phase of the First Resurrection,
reserved for those who inherit eternal life in the presence of God and Christ.
Timing: Begins
at the start of the Millennium and continues throughout the thousand-year
period.
Scriptural
References: D&C 76:71–80; D&C 88:99; Isaiah 65:20.
Description: The
second trump announces the resurrection of those who will inherit the
terrestrial kingdom, a degree of glory for those who lived good lives but were
not valiant in the testimony of Jesus. This group includes honorable men and
women who either did not accept the fulness of the
gospel in mortality or received it but were not fully faithful. During the
Millennium, these individuals will be resurrected, receiving immortal bodies
suited for the terrestrial glory. They will live to the “age of man”
(approximately 100 years) before passing through death and being instantly
changed to immortality (D&C 63:50–51).
[](https://www.ldsliving.com/what-does-it-mean-to-come-forth-in-the-morning-of-the-first-resurrection/s/89035) Significance: This
trump reflects God’s mercy, granting glory to those who lived uprightly but did
not fully embrace the covenants of the celestial kingdom. Their resurrection
occurs during the Millennium, a time of peace and continued ordinance work.
Timing: Occurs
after the Millennium, following the completion of the First Resurrection.
Scriptural
References: D&C 76:81–90; D&C 88:100–101; Revelation
20:4–6.
Description: The
third trump signals the resurrection of those destined for the telestial kingdom, the lowest degree of glory. This group
includes those who lived sinful lives, rejected the gospel, and followed the
dictates of their own will rather than the Holy Spirit. Despite their
unrighteousness, they will be resurrected after the Millennium, receiving
immortal bodies but remaining separated from the presence of God and Christ.
They will not dwell with Satan but will inherit a kingdom of glory suited to
their choices (D&C 76:81–88). The telestial
resurrection occurs before the final judgment, ensuring all are resurrected
before facing their eternal destiny.
[](https://www.ldsliving.com/what-does-it-mean-to-come-forth-in-the-morning-of-the-first-resurrection/s/89035) Significance: This
trump underscores the universal nature of the resurrection, extending even to
those who rejected God’s full plan, yet are spared from outer darkness through
Christ’s Atonement.
Timing: Occurs
after all other resurrections, at the end of the Millennium.
Scriptural
References: D&C 76:32–38, 43–44; D&C 88:102; Revelation
20:12–15.
Description: The
fourth trump heralds the resurrection of the sons of perdition, those who
knowingly and willfully deny the Holy Spirit after receiving a perfect
knowledge of the truth. This group, the smallest of all, includes those who
commit the unpardonable sin, aligning themselves with Satan. Their resurrection
occurs last, after the Millennium, and offers no degree of glory. Instead, they
are cast into outer darkness with Satan and his angels, suffering eternal
punishment (D&C 76:44). This resurrection completes the universal
resurrection promised through Christ’s Atonement.
[](https://www.ldsliving.com/what-does-it-mean-to-come-forth-in-the-morning-of-the-first-resurrection/s/89035) Significance: The
fourth trump represents the final phase of resurrection, ensuring that all who
have lived receive a resurrected body, but it also highlights the consequences
of rejecting God’s light after receiving it fully.
The four trumps of the
resurrection are part of the broader eschatological timeline outlined by the
LDS Second Coming of Christ Research Group. The first trump is associated with
the Second Coming, occurring as Christ returns in glory and the righteous are
“caught up” to meet Him (D&C 88:96–98). The second trump unfolds during the
Millennium, a period of peace when temple work and ordinance completion
continue (D&C 88:99). The third and fourth trumps occur after the
Millennium, completing the resurrection process before the final judgment
(Revelation
The four trumps of the resurrection outline a divinely
orchestrated process that ensures all who have lived will receive immortal
bodies, fulfilling the promise of Christ’s Atonement. Spanning from the Second
Coming through the Millennium and beyond, these trumps reflect God’s justice
and mercy, assigning each soul to a kingdom of glory (or outer darkness) based
on their choices in mortality. By studying these phases, members of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and others can better prepare for the
Second Coming, aligning their lives with the gospel to participate in the First
Resurrection. For further discussion or to contribute to this timeline, contact
clint@clint-gray.com or join the group at https://gab.com/groups/4790.