RESURRECTION HALL

[Richard E Warren]

Page 50

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Solonia informed the pair, “We happened to arrive on the day the System’s chief administrator, Lanaforge, is holding a conclave here on Jerusem’s administrative mount. The day-long meetings are informal and unforgettable. I think you will not regret attending in the least. The meeting will also give you a glimpse of System administrative procedures, their design, problems, and solutions.”

  .

They took Solonia’s suggestion, and were not disappointed. Almost immediately Saro and Kala could sense the sublime fraternity between the System Sovereign and the mass of beings in attendance, most of whom he governed. How much different, they thought, than the usual relations that exist between the governors and the governed on Urantia.

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And the pair marveled at the fact that they were in the presence of one who replaced the rebel Lanonandek son who led the third rebellion against God and Michael in Nebadon. They couldn’t help thinking that Lanaforge is truly a mighty son of God, a genuine, magnanimous, sincere, child of Michael and the Divine Mother, a gracious person, and quite obviously a brilliant being and benevolent ruler.

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“I recall studying him,” Kala said. “It was Lanaforge who was faithful in an earlier rebellion. During Nebadon’s second uprising he took charge and persuaded many not to follow the sophistry of the rebel chiefs. His wisdom, loyalty and efforts saved a swathe of beings from inhabitants of the lowest planets to angels on the system’s headquarters. And he did it all in spite of being out-ranked by the lead rebel.”

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In answer to a question from a visiting star student about the final tally of the rebellion on the System headquarters, Lanaforge answered:

  .

“Not a single Jerusem citizen was lost. Every ascendant mortal survived the fiery trial and emerged from the crucial test triumphant and altogether victorious.”

  .

All that day they listened and learned as Lanaforge and his six sibling administrators spoke informally with a great variety of Jerusem citizens and others at the gathering. Saro and Kala were fascinated and informed by what they learned of System culture and function, from both citizens and their leaders.

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That evening, after the conclave, the trio enjoyed a sumptuous meal with many of those who attended it. They dined at a gloriously beautiful and inviting service center adjacent to Jerusem’s offices of the executive council. The pair used the opportunity to converse intimately with a few of the average citizens and lower level administrators. Kala and Saro quickly realized that Jerusem is a physical and spiritual wonderland, a divinely inspired and created culture of vast diversity, exquisite beauty, and spiritual elevation.

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Later, that night, Solonia took the pair on a flying tour of the System’s extensive headquarters. As they circled over a brightly lit residential area she recited the names of the current heads of Jerusem’s government who reside there, the seven Lanonandek Sons: “Lanaforge, Mansurotia, Sadib, Holdant, Vilton, Fortant, and Hanavard.”

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“Who does come up with the names?” Saro quipped.

  .

Solonia pointed to a great ring of seven concentric circles. “There you see the angels’ residential area. At the center is where John Zebedee saw the ‘four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment’. You no doubt recall that the 24 members of the Urantia advisory council are Michael’s agents working on Urantia related projects. But do you recall the sixteen individuals who were listed?”

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“Not all,” Saro confessed.

  .

“Name them please,” said Kala.

  .

“Onagar, Mansant, Onamonalonton, Orlandof, Porshunta, Singlangton, Fantad, Orvonon, Adam, Eve, Enoch, Moses, Elijah, Machiventa Melchizedek, John the Baptist, and a Midwayer named, 1-2-3 the First.”

  .

“Fascinating to think of that much concentrated human and morontian experience, working together in one place. And for the good of Urantia,” Kala said thoughtfully.

  .

Solonia went on, “There are immense preserves on Jerusem, residences and facilities that serve the Material Sons, high spirits, superangels, angels, and midway creatures. But the biggest attractions on this sphere are the Adam and Eve family estates.”

  .

The trio decided to stay overnight on Jerusem; arranging lodging with Solonia’s friends. The next day, with Solonia’s connections, they fulfilled another deferred dream. They were invited to visit the home of a Material Son and Daughter. The Adamic area on Jerusem has one thousand centers of family estates.

.

On the way there they talked about the physicality, spirituality, and culture of these marvelously handsome, divinely descended, and glowing creatures who do so enjoy creating families, growing gardens, teaching music, producing art, reciting poetry, making good humor, and in general, broadening culture for the greater good of all families.

  .

The Material Sons and Daughters were plainly visible to Kala’s and Saro’s morontia eyes. The pair had seen them first on T1, at the probationary nurseries, but had not yet interacted with them. The probationary nursery itself is supervised by one thousand couples of Material Sons and Daughters, volunteers from the Jerusem colony.

  .

Saro and Kala well noted what magnificent creatures these “Material” beings are; violet in complexion, quite tall and robust in body, interesting persons all, yet diverse in personality. And every one of them is focused primarily on home and family life, child-rearing and garden-building. And what splendid children they raise and what marvelous gardens they build. Seeing the way the Adamites live made Kala and Saro think what Urantia’s first garden of Eden might have been like, before it collapsed in default. And what Urantia could–someday will–be like. Another lovely and unique patch in God’s cosmic garden.

  .

Solonia reminded them, “The Adams and Eves are children of Michael alone. You well know the teachings that they are sexually endowed and the parents of a race of specially designed beings. There are more than 161 million Adamites in Nebadon. They are permanent inhabitants of the System, and their eventual aim is self-governance. Right now they are overseen by the higher orders of sonship, the Lanonandeks, the Vorondadeks, and Melchizedeks.”

  .

Saro searched for a quote he recalled, about the Adamic families and ascenders’ leisure time on Jerusem:

  .

“Mortal survivors spend much of their leisure on the system capital observing and studying the life habits and conduct of these superior semiphysical sex creatures, for these citizens of Jerusem are the immediate sponsors and mentors of the mortal survivors from the time they attain citizenship on the headquarters world until they take leave for Edentia.”

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***

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Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

Page 51

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“This is the quote I recall most vividly, about one of the rehabilitation services Adams and Eves provide for certain ascending mortals.” Kala read it.

 .

“Sex experience in a physical sense is past for these ascenders, but in close association with the Material Sons and Daughters, both individually and as members of their families, these sex-deficient mortals are enabled to compensate the social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual aspects of their deficiency. Thus are all those humans whom circumstances or bad judgment deprived of the benefits of advantageous sex association on the evolutionary worlds, here on the system capitals afforded full opportunity to acquire these essential mortal experiences in close and loving association with the supernal Adamic sex creatures of permanent residence on the system capitals.”

.

Solonia gave them information about another service provided for ascenders by Adam and Eve families, regarding the teaching of principles and methods of self-governance. She said in part:

 .

“The Melchizedek Sons conduct upward of thirty different educational centers on Jerusem. These training schools begin with the college of self-evaluation and end with the schools of Jerusem citizenship, wherein the Material Sons and Daughters join with the Melchizedeks and others in their supreme effort to qualify the mortal survivors for the assumption of the high responsibilities of representative government. The entire universe is organized and administered on the representative plan. Representative government is the divine ideal of self-government among nonperfect beings.

 .

“The vote cast at a Jerusem election by any one personality has a value ranging from one up to one thousand. Jerusem citizens are thus classified in accordance with their mota achievement.”

 .

They landed at an estate where Solonia is well known, a typical Adamic family home where Saro and Kala may watch and learn from these beautiful beings who are the last in a line of divinity that stretches from the heights of Paradise down to tiny quarantined worlds like Uranita.

 .

As the trio walked toward the estate’s central edifice, they talked about the array of training ascenders can receive while living with Adams, Eves, and their progeny.

 .

Solonia told them, as she said to many others who toured the Adamic estates, “Ex-humans can compensate for their deficiencies in social, intellectual, emotional aspects of life as they live and serve in close and loving association with Adams and Eves.”

 .

The mother Eve and father Adam of the estate were away at a reunion of their order on Edentia, the constellation capital. The first born son and daughter were in charge at that moment. The trio was given free rein to explore and visit with family members and staff. While touring the estate Kala and Saro encountered dozens of the Adamic children and young adults working the gardens, with help from the spornagia. One of the more mature couples was making ready to attend a System Melchizedek school, preparatory to bestowing themselves on a race of beings on one of the System’s evolutionary worlds.

 .

“Do you know which planet?” Kala asked.

 .

“World 615 is nearly ready to receive an Adam and Eve. But there are several couples competing,” answered the female of the two.

 .

Saro wanted to know, “What type of being will you be up-stepping?”

 .

“A one-brained race, on a world not too different from Urantia. It is under quarantine still. We expect it to be a challenge. That is one of the reasons we volunteered.”

 .

All the Adamite children they met wanted to hear stories from Kala’s and Saro’s lives on a quarantined evolutionary world. And they wanted to know all about Adamic life. The pair spent most of the day exchanging stories and information with these curious, intelligent, ‘material’ beings. Each and everyone of them enjoyed these personal exchanges, especially Kala and Saro. The experience was another unforgettable one they wished very much to expand upon during their repeat ascension.

 .

They were offered an invitation to stay the night at the Adamic estate, which they very gladly accepted. That evening after dining on a great variety of excellently prepared goods from the estate’s immense and bountiful garden, many family members gathered, as they always do, to make music, sing, dance, and put on instructive skits for the little ones. Kala and Saro delighted in the company of this amazing family whose members so well exemplify the heights to which family culture might rise. And they used the opportunity to learn about and try many of the morontia musical instruments the family kept.

 .

The next morning the pair said farewell to their hosts, almost tearfully. Such was the bond they had made with this family in a short time. They embraced the gathered family members, said adoring so longs, and promised to visit again.

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After the trio boarded a pod Solonia said, “You have made more eternal friends, I think.”

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“What a lovely time, what a delightful family!” Kala declared. “Visiting an ideal family situation like that gives new meaning to ideal. I can’t help thinking about how far along Urantia would be if the first garden hadn’t failed. Adam and Eve might still be there, fostering greater and greater families like that one, preparing for the next descending Son to take Urantia to the dawn of Light and Life…But then if the garden hadn’t failed, Michael might not have chosen Urantia for his seventh bestowal.”

 .

After a moment’s reflection on Kala’s statement, Saro asked Solonia, “How was the news of the fall of Urantia’s first Eden received on Mansonia?”

 .

“We were all watching of course. From the beginning Urantia’s Adam and Eve faced an uphill battle, that was indisputable. They were alone on a quarantined world, and they were born and trained biologists, not administrators. They met defeat at every turn for over a hundred years, until madness touched them. Still, disappointment was the initial reaction to their error. But then, before long, it became a cornerstone of teaching on how to choose wisely in such a trying situation. Now it is regarded as a fortuitous occurrence and an education for all, not just the Adams and Eves.”

.

Saro asked, “They are still here on Jerusem, serving on the council of twenty four elders?”

  .

“They are,” Solonia answered. “I count them among my friends.”

  .

“Maybe you will introduce us one day,” Kala said.

  .

“I will, and gladly so.”

  .

“Where shall go now?” Kala wondered.

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Saro replied with smile, “Shall we repair to the Jerusem broadcast center, my love?”

  .

“Is it broken?”

 .

Solonia looked at them quizzically, “Urantian humor?”

 .

Kala and Saro looked back as the charming Adamic estate disappeared behind them. Shortly thereafter the transport pod sat down at a massive gate leading to the broadcast center. The pair peered inside and stood in amazement until Solonia broke their gaze and prompted them to enter.

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***

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Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

Page 52

..

After regaining their composure, they slowly walked into the System’s massive communication hub. Billions of beings rely on the broadcast center for everything from local happenings to news from Orvonton and the other six superuniverses, even to events occurring on Havona and Paradise. Kala and Saro decided to sit for a moment just to observe the broadcast center in full service. The pair compared revelations about Jerusem’s vast and busiest facility to the reality of it. Saro read:

 .

“This Jerusem broadcast-receiving station is encircled by an enormous amphitheater, constructed of scintillating materials largely unknown on Urantia and seating over five billion beings — material and morontia — besides accommodating innumerable spirit personalities. It is the favorite diversion for all Jerusem to spend their leisure at the broadcast station, there to learn of the welfare and state of the universe. And this is the only planetary activity which is not slowed down during the recession of light.”

 .

“It’s fascinating to think of billions of God-knowing, God loving beings in one place at the same time,” mused Kala. “And here we are!”

 .

The broadcast center did not disappoint the pair. In fact it was all but overwhelming. They spent the rest of the day amid those billions of beings of vastly diverse orders who were also viewing and reporting the endless news and activities being received by and transmitted from the System’s communications center. Never before had they felt the joy or known the satisfactions of following the myriad events, activities, and surprises unfolding inside other superuniverses and on Paradise.

 .

Moving toward the center of the amphitheater, Kala and Saro formed the same cosmic impression: The Universe is indeed a marvelous, stupendous, creation of limitless diversity and divinely appointed progress–notwithstanding the fact that the four outer space levels are as yet uninhabited and the Grand Universe is not close to being settled in light and life. They were realizing how young the Master Universe is. This realization reminded Kala of Jesus’ parable about hirelings who began work at different times of the day, yet received the same pay. It sparked an image in Saro’s mind, of a far-away vision of the completed Master Universe in seven rings, each sparkling with light and life in all its aspects and dimensions.

 .

Saro then thought of future local developments, “Imagine what Jerusem might be when all seven rings around Paradise are fully inhabited, settled, and perfected. It could perform a totally different function. Have you thought that far ahead, Solonia?”

 .

She answered with a humble smile, “Since the settling of the entire Master Universe in light and life is so very far off, all of my speculations about it have broken down in a sea of variables, a flood of permutations, and any number of unforeseen inundations of divine providence.”

 .

Solonia stayed with the pair all day and into the evening. She too enjoyed perusing the latest news from Edentia and around the local universe, especially news from Salvington with details on the recent doings of the Divine Minister.

 .

That evening the trio returned to M4. There they dined and then worshiped at a nearby temple. Afterward Solonia said good night and the pair retired for sound and solid rest after two days of near continuous and highly stimulating activity.

 .

The remainder of their fourth Mansion World liberty was spent exploring it and Transition World four. On M4 they saw evidence of the flowering of true social brotherhood and spiritual equality. They found a much greater awareness of the existence and essential role of the Supreme Being. Solonia went along on each of their excursions, offering information and insight about the citizens of M4, most of whom are particularly schooled in practicing justice and living mercy.

 .

On T4, the Superangels’ World, they met and engaged the Brilliant Evening Stars, sibling angels of the two who welcomed Saro, Kala, and 200,000 other resurrectees at the Banquet Hall reception. While on T4 they worshipped with angels of diverse orders and sampled the rich flavor of high angelic culture, as much as they could visualize of it.

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Each of the seven sub-satellites of T4 provided the pair with additional insights into the angelic realm, a fascinating spectrum of beings whose main mission and first pursuit is service, and the more challenging the service, the better. The charm, power, and abilities of all the angels they had encountered astounded and intrigued them to the point of pledging to return with a great class of ascenders from Urantia, for an education in angelic service and culture.

 .

 .

With each advance, Kala and Saro were finding themselves more and more interested in knowing and speaking the common languages of the local universe. And they noticed that the ability to learn was accelerating with each body/mind adjustment. Solonia proved to be a first rate language tutor which meant they could receive her excellent instruction during their time confined to travel pods. It helped that they very much enjoyed each others’ company.

 ..

Kala asked, “In how many languages are you fluent, Solonia?”

 .

“All of the System’s and much of Nebadon’s. Several hundred thousand perhaps. I learned many during a ten thousand year stint in the corps of Interpreters and Translators. They are, as you probably recall, another of the seven general service activities of Morontia Companions. My mind seems well suited for learning and retaining them.”

 .

During their travels around M4 the pair also discovered it to be a world where ascenders find their roles in the slow moving class formations, and where they begin to evince an increasing interest in morontia life and its progressive nature. On M4 ascenders experience both the demands and delights of morontia culture. This is a world where ascenders become self-conscious of having found and knowing God.

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***

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Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

Page 53

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As soon as the trio arrived on M5, Kala and Saro received their fourth adjustment, then ensconced themselves in the Melchizedek sector while Solonia reported their itinerary to headquarters. The pair was very curious about this mansion world because it corresponds to the early stages of light and life on the evolutionary worlds. And right away they sensed it had a cultural flavor similar to Jerusem’s.

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After strolling the area, and when Solonia returned, the trio began making a tentative plan for their M5 stay. In the discussions about it, Solonia said, “From here you can visit the Son’s headquarters world, T5. The Melchizedek, Vorondadek, Lanonandek, and creature trinitized sons reside there. It is an especially fascinating place for us universe daughters.”

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Solonia recited the tour guide’s introductory speech about M5 for ascending arrivals:

  .

“On the fifth mansonia you begin to learn of the constellation study worlds. Here you meet the first of the instructors who begin to prepare you for the subsequent constellation sojourn. More of this preparation continues on worlds six and seven, while the finishing touches are supplied in the sector of the ascending mortals on Jerusem. This is the world where ascending classes are schooled in the superuniverse language. Jerusem citizens know the tongues of both Nebadon and Uversa.

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“A real birth of cosmic consciousness takes place on mansonia number five. You are becoming universe minded. This is indeed a time of expanding horizons. It is beginning to dawn upon the enlarging minds of the ascending mortals that some stupendous and magnificent, some supernal and divine, destiny awaits all who complete the progressive Paradise ascension, which has been so laboriously but so joyfully and auspiciously begun. At about this point the average mortal ascender begins to manifest bona fide experiential enthusiasm for the Havona ascent. Study is becoming voluntary, unselfish service natural, and worship spontaneous. A real morontia character is budding; a real morontia creature is evolving.”

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After considering the many options, the pair settled on spending the first half of their ten day liberty on M5 and the second half on T5. While on M5 they took an extensive bird flight, visiting many of its temples of sublime and stunning beauty. They truly enjoyed its magnificent morontia architecture, its functional and ornamental artistry on an even grander scale than the lower Mansions.

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They worshipped with visible and invisible beings of diverse orders while on M5, each time soaring a bit higher on their souls’ out-stretched wings. Solonia was good to keep the pair apprised of the presence of certain beings they could not yet visualize.

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On M5 they continued to make the cultural rounds each evening, attending concerts, plays, and other social events. Very little of their liberty was spent isolated or alone. They took considerable time learning about the curricula of M5’s major educational facilities that they will someday return to, at the head of a class of ascenders.

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It was here that Kala and Saro experienced the reality of that unforgettable declaration by a Brilliant Evening Star, “The entire universe is one vast school.”

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Saro recalled and read another statement by the Evening Star, this one on the value and purpose of universal education. She said in part:

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  “The mortal-survival plan has a practical and serviceable objective; you are not the recipients of all this divine labor and painstaking training only that you may survive just to enjoy endless bliss and eternal ease. There is a goal of transcendent service concealed beyond the horizon of the present universe age. If the Gods designed merely to take you on one long and eternal joy excursion, they certainly would not so largely turn the whole universe into one vast and intricate practical training school, requisition a substantial part of the celestial creation as teachers and instructors, and then spend ages upon ages piloting you, one by one, through this gigantic universe school of experiential training. The furtherance of the scheme of mortal progression seems to be one of the chief businesses of the present organized universe, and the majority of innumerable orders of created intelligences are either directly or indirectly engaged in advancing some phase of this progressive perfection plan.”

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Days six to ten of their M5 liberty they spent on T5. At its central temple, the pair experienced a most pleasurable and extended worship experience. They communed alongside, and along with, high born sons from Paradise and ascenders like themselves. So intrigued were they with the Sons’ worlds that they decided to tour all seven of its sub-satellites, and meet some of the sphere’s residents. Since T5’s individual sub-satellites house a single order of sonship, this gave them a much clearer and broader picture of the nature and character of each descending order of universe sonship, including the trinitized sons; all of whom have pledged themselves to eternal service living, teaching and spreading God’s truth, beauty and goodness across time and space.

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Saro and Kala learned a great deal in their brief excursions on M5 and T5. While at this fifth level of Mansonia they came to know, befriend, and appreciate a variety of the two spheres’ residents. They also made a concerted effort to begin building their universe and superuniverse vocabulary, with Solonia’s excellent instruction. At the same time, and through frequent worship, they became ever more intimate with their Indwellers, Michael, the Divine Minister, and their Guardians.

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Each day the pair noted their quickened spirit was uniting with God’s, with each other, and with the cosmos on more and deeper levels, levels which they heretofore could not have imagined. The pair pledged to return to M5 and T5 with a class of pilgrim ascenders, and again worship with the Sons of God at their consecrated temples of Fatherly adoration.

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***

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Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

Page 54

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Right after the three deseraphimed on M6 and Kala and Saro had received the fifth adjustment, their four Guardian Angels appeared. The Guardians wanted to welcome them formally and personally invite them to worship on T6, their home world in the System, the World of the Spirit. T6 is a rendezvous for the high personalities of the Infinite Spirit and the Divine Minister, whose presence and ministry are everywhere.

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In planning their liberty on level six, they decided without debate to accept the angels’ invitation to worship on T6. And while visiting it, they wanted to touch down on each of T6’s seven sub-satellites where individual angelic orders abide.

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Saro said, “Solonia, as I recall, M6 is where ascenders start training and working in administrative service.”

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“Yes. And that is mentioned on our tours. We tell arriving ascenders:

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“Sojourners on this sphere are permitted to visit transition world number six, where they learn more about the high spirits of the superuniverse, although they are not able to visualize many of these celestial beings. Here they also receive their first lessons in the prospective spirit career which so immediately follows graduation from the morontia training of the local universe.

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“The assistant System Sovereign makes frequent visits to this world, and the initial instruction is here begun in the technique of universe administration. The first lessons embracing the affairs of a whole universe are now imparted.

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“During the sojourn on world number six the mansion world students achieve a status which is comparable with the exalted development characterizing those evolutionary worlds which have normally progressed beyond the initial stage of light and life. The organization of society on this mansonia is of a high order. The shadow of the mortal nature grows less and less as these worlds are ascended one by one. You are becoming more and more adorable as you leave behind the coarse vestiges of planetary animal origin.”

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After considering their many options, and since there was so much they wanted to do, Kala and Saro chose to stay an additional ten days at the sixth level. It was decided that they would spend the first ten on M6 and the last ten on T6. Solonia escorted the pair to their temporary residence in the Melchizedek sector, and departed to file their extemporized itinerary at M6 headquarters.

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While on M6, the pair associated with various angels and other types of beings who were now coming into their improved spirit vision. They also discovered the roots of a culture of fusion on M6. By the time certain progressive ascenders reach this sphere they are fully prepared to unite with their Indwellers.

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Observing M6’s residents, Kala and Saro did in fact note the near total absence of “the vestiges of animal origin”. Most aberrations and gross imperfections they observed in ascendant beings on the lower mansions were not observable here. Because those who have ascended this high have passed through the tests and trainings that bring out one’s real self, one’s true character, they found these refined mortals to be exceedingly kind and understanding. “Coming up through great tribulation” serves to make glorified mortals very humble and understanding, very sympathetic and tolerant.

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While on T6 their Guardians led them on tours of angelically designed temples, residences, universities, and workshops. Kala and Saro were fascinated by the unique beauty, the intriguing subtleties, and the many intricacies of angelic service and social life. It was their time on T6 where the pair came to know and better understand Guardians, and a variety of other types of angelic beings who all take origin in the Third Source and Center, the Infinite Spirit.

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Their Guardians took over Solonia’s duties as escort while they traveled on T6 and its associated sub-satellites. But she chose to go along with them. First they were led to the sphere’s central temple for a memorable worship among millions of angels of diverse orders. The pair noted that worshiping with Angels has a special flavor of utter and complete submission to divine love. Indwelt as the pair is by God’s presence only helped in this internal act of worshipful submission, one which the angels have a talent for both doing and teaching.

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Their experiences on T6 and its satellites became invaluable and treasured memories of time spent observing and worshiping with these mind ministers, these loyal, amazing, angelic associates and helpers of ascenders and descenders. Solonia especially enjoyed the T6 visit, as she relished communing with so many fellow sisters of the same origin, and between her Adjustered friends and their Guardians.

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***

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Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

Page 55

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By the time Kala and Saro reached the seventh mansion world, after scores of worship sessions, after meeting hundreds of diverse entities–from fellow pilgrims to fused beings like Andon and Fonta–and after repeated inner revelatory experiences with their Indwellers, they had little else on their minds but uniting with their betrothed.

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Following their sixth body/mind adjustment, registering, and settling in, Solonia helped them choose how best to schedule their M7 liberty. It was decided right away–since this would be their final step up the mansion ladder–to extend their liberty by two increments, giving them a full thirty days on M7 and T7.

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They decided to explore M7 first, for ten days, beginning with an overhead view on the backs of the mighty passenger birds. During that flight they quickly came to realize M7 is the most complex and highly developed of the mansions. On the ground they discovered it also has the greatest diversity of beings in residence and visiting; that it is the final staging ground for the acme of mansion life, citizenship on Jerusem.

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In the pod on the way to the bird launch Solonia offered the pair the excursion guides’ insights for ascenders to M7’s high culture and refined training:

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“The experience on this sphere is the crowning achievement of the immediate postmortal career. Any discernible differences between those mortals hailing from the isolated and retarded worlds and those survivors from the more advanced and enlightened spheres are virtually obliterated during the sojourn on the seventh mansion world. Here you will be purged of all the remnants of unfortunate heredity, unwholesome environment, and unspiritual planetary tendencies. The last remnants of the “mark of the beast” are here eradicated.

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“While sojourning on mansonia number seven, permission is granted to visit transition world number seven, the world of the Universal Father. Here you begin a new and more spiritual worship of the unseen Father, a habit you will increasingly pursue all the way up through your long ascending career.”

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Saro asked Solonia, “T7 is where the rebels are imprisoned, correct?”

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“It is T7’s seven satellites where they are detained.”

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“Have you been to any of the prison worlds?” Kala asked.

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“I have been to all many times. It is, by necessity, a duty of escort companions. But no one has gone there to minister to the rebels since Michael’s bestowal on Urantia.”

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After a moment, Saro asked Solonia, “Do you recommend that we visit?”

 .

“I recommend you visit T7, go to the Father’s great temple of light and pray about it.”

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“Solonia, did you join the rebellion?” Kala inquired softly and sincerely.

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“We all looked. His words and being were so charming it was difficult to believe the rebel leader could be that completely and utterly wrong. But I never took his manifesto seriously. God’s benign and benevolent sovereignty over us is obvious to me. And where did the rebels derive their power, even their bodies and minds? Were they self-bestowed? No, I didn’t succumb to the rebel sophistry, but I have siblings who still haven’t recanted or repented, and who may perish when the final adjudication comes down from the courts of the Ancients of Days.

 .

“Except for the prison spheres, all appetite for rebellion and evil has disappeared from the System’s architectural worlds. And everyone knows it is futile to try to persuade the few remaining stubborn rebels. Now they are set to give up life rather than abandon their mad belligerence and hostility toward our Creator Son and our heavenly Father. The rebellion was a terrible time for the whole System, and it is not yet finished. The lingering effects still wash over some of the evolutionary worlds which of course creates more grief and confusion for ascenders, and more work and strain for mansonia’s stationary personnel. None of us looks back on it fondly.” Solonia shed a tear.

 .

 .

Kala and Saro thoroughly enjoyed the ten days touring M7, always with Solonia at their side offering cultural insights and historical background. It was gratifying and highly educational to meet and converse with so many ascenders who had made their way to the highest of the Mansion Worlds over many years, and who now look and act the part of enlightened children of God. Indeed, they were standing on the very precipice of eternity, as were Saro and Kala.

 .

Also during those ten days on M7 the pair traveled extensively, meeting school administrators and educators with whom they might one day work on their return voyage. They were introduced to many of the higher methods and more refined tools of teaching that characterize the System’s final stage of mansion world schooling and mortal rehabilitation.

 .

Here they also encountered a group of Paradise Finaliters touring the mansions on the way to T1, their residential world in the System. These are beings who long ago fused, ascended to and were embraced by God on Paradise, then returned to their universe of origin for the edification and encouragement of newly ascending pilgrims, ones just beginning the Paradise journey.

 .

With the aid of energy transformers the Finaliters were made visible to Kala’s and Saro’s eyes; filling them with cosmic amazement and spirit joy. Observing these perfected beings who have graduated from the highest universities of the Grand Universe, and who have met and been embraced by God, does indeed inspire all less experienced beings who chance to ‘see’ and be taught by them.

 .

After that encounter, they decided to enroll in a three day symposium on Paradise ascension led by none other than these Finaliters touring M7. Kala and Saro were mightily thrilled by seeing and hearing about the experiences of these perfected graduates of time and space, these beings who are invisible and normally out of reach. From them the pair received a vastly expanded concept of the Paradise climb, Paradise culture, and Paradise worship.

 .

 .

Days eleven through twenty they set aside to tour T7 and perhaps its associated satellites, the detention spheres. Days twenty-one to thirty, they choose to keep open for the time being.

 .

***

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Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

Page 56
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During their extended seventh level liberty, the pair received their seventh and eighth body/mind adjustments. Looking back, they could see, with each adjustment, a growing ability to discern a wider variety of beings, to reach ever deeper levels of worship, and to learn more easily. Morontia vision was expanding, their souls were well nigh bursting with the joy of intimacy and oneness with their Indwellers. All the challenges, experiences, acquired wisdom, and spiritual values of lives well lived were culminating on M7. Kala and Saro were feeling closer and closer to God, Michael, and the Divine Mother, with each day’s passing.
.
At the end of ten days on M7, the trio enseraphimed to visit the World of the Father, transition world number seven. T7 is very different from the other six, in that no one lives there. It is known as the ‘silent sphere of the system’.  Worshippers from all the System’s worlds commune with the Universal Father in T7’s great temple of light. It is the only activity on this quiet world whereon no residents may be found.
.
Kala and Saro were immediately and divinely captivated by the power of the connection they felt on the Father’s world. Being indwelt by fragments of the Universal Father created a natural resonance during their most beautiful, fulfilling, and transcendent worship yet. So enraptured were they by worship on this sphere that time and space merged in the moment creating the sensation and the reality of the ultimate unity of all things and beings. Divine attunement was approaching the highest levels possible at this juncture in their eventful journey.
.
Solonia remained with them and enjoyed the additional pleasure of Adjuster enhanced worship in the pair’s presence. The quality of worship on T7 also seemed to be improved by the many types of high beings in attendance. As worshipers flowed on and off the sphere, in and out of the great temple, all appeared to share the same feeling of joy in the intimate knowledge of being a personally loved and divinely adored child of God. So intense, intriguing, and compelling was their worship that before the pair realized it, the day had passed, during which they received many new, vivid, and unimagined insights into the nature and character of God.
.
As the light began to fade the trio left the central temple to discuss Saro’s and Kala’s plans for the remaining nine days. They took stairs to a high promenade that offered a view of the magnificent temple of light below. They were enthralled by the transcendent beauty of it. No word was spoken for a long while.
.
Finally Kala said to Solonia, “Thank you for staying with us all day.” She squeezed her hand in sincere appreciation, then asked Saro, “How do you feel about remaining here?”

“I was about to suggest it,” he replied. “Solonia, would you like to return to M7?”

 .

“Yes, but please contact me before you leave here.”

 .

After transportation arrived, the trio embraced and Solonia departed.

.

“I don’t feel hungry or tired. You?” Saro asked.

 .

“My love, all I feel is the urge to return to the temple.”

.

The pair stayed almost two days on the Father’s world, remaining in worship mode, taking only water, air, and God’s good love. They enjoyed each session supremely and felt no hunger or other need. And during each session their Paradise Partners revealed more insights and greater cosmic perspectives. An astonishing variety of information and insight was conveyed while they communed within on T7.

.

Between worship sessions they walked around the great temple on the encircling promenade, sometimes alone, sometimes together, and sometimes with a group of other stalwart worshippers. Finally the urge to worship subsided and they knew it was time to return to M7 and reconnect with a residential world. Before enseraphiming for the short flight to M7, they contacted Solonia and made plans to meet.

.
She joined them for a meal upon their return. While they ate the trio discussed their individual experiences worshipping on T7. Kala and Saro tried to express how much they enjoyed the pure, unbroken, and shared adoration between God and child. They attempted to describe how beautiful it was hearing music of the realms, and receiving enlarged picturizations of the cosmos from the exalted perspective of their beloved Indwellers. And how the worship experience continuously expanded over two days.
.
After listening to their descriptions, Solonia said, “In worship I relate to the Father, but through the Mother, they are one, of course,”
.
“Solonia, have you ever wanted, or wondered what it would be like, to host an Adjuster?” Saro asked.
.
“We see and live with Adjustered ones everyday, so naturally some have on occasion speculated about it because of the remarkable attributes, creative potentials, and inspiring values we observe in you. But perhaps no more than ones like you wish to know what being a Morontia Companion is like. That said, only the Gods know their creatures from the inside. Which reminds me, you two are certified as having attained the first psychic circle. The news came during your days within the Father’s bosom on T7.”
.
Saro and Kala were not surprised to hear this. They had already realized it from the inside, so close and intimate were they with, and in, God. Their worship experience on T7 felt as if it was a final stride of their inward journey to oneness with the Divine Indweller.
..
The trio then debated Kala’s and Saro’s next step of their outward journey, whether to tour the seven prison worlds that surround T7. Solonia asked them, “What was the answer to your prayers?”
.
Kala and Saro glanced at each other and replied at the same time, “Yes.”

***

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Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

Page 57

 .

As soon as Kala and Saro landed on the first prison world, they sensed a certain and definite bleakness. No one except the transport angels and support personnel were present. Solonia led them outside the walls of the spaceport for a wider view. They appeared to be alone. No activity was apparent.

 .

“Are we the only visitors?” Kala asked.

 .

“At the moment, yes,” replied Solonia.

 .

Saro speculated, “The inmates are all asleep?”

 .

“No. They know we are here. But they will not come forward to greet Adjustered ones.”

 .

The pair pondered that a moment and Kala asked, “Because they know we can’t be swayed?”

 .

“That is correct.”

 .

“Solonia, you knew this and chose not to tell us beforehand,” said Saro, “because you felt we require first hand experience?”

 .

“Yes.”

 .

It took another moment for that to sink in. Kala thought to ask, “Will it be the same on the other six prison worlds?”

 .

“We do not know that for a certainty,” Solonia replied.

 .

“So, you’re thinking we should visit each one?” asked Saro.

 .

“It is the only way you will know with absolute surety, and for all eternity.”

 .

Kala and Saro thought about it and agreed there was nothing to fear and perhaps something to learn, and thereby elected to proceed to the second detention sphere. But the non-reception and apparent vacancy there was the same as on the first. They went on to the third, then the fourth, and the fifth, and finally, on the sixth prison sphere they were greeted, in a manner.

 .

Solonia looked the pair in the eye and said in complete sincerity, “Kala, Saro, meet the leader of Nebadon’s third rebellion.”

 .

The pair could hardly believe their hearing at first. But they, through Adjuster, Spirit of Truth, and Guardian connection, sensed it was so. And they noted his brilliant appearance.

 .

Neither Kala nor Saro felt compelled to speak, so they didn’t. In fact, there was nothing to say. He had chosen his path, and they theirs. And neither in any way, manner, or fashion, coincides.

 .

Suddenly, feelings of pity came to Kala and Saro. At that instant the figure turned dark and moved away.

 .

“He never fails to try, even with Adjustered ones,” Solonia lamented. At that moment, the pair realized they had just encountered a high born and brilliant being who is willfully and cosmically insane.

 .

With no one else to greet them, Solonia asked, “On to prison world 7?”

 .

“Yes,” they replied.

 .

But the seventh world also sent no one to greet its visitors. The pair found it as bleak, pitiable, and forlorn as the others. They decided to return to the Father’s World.

 .

 .

Kala and Saro once more communed within on this silent world, with Solonia close by. After only a few moments, a clear and distinct voice was heard. The message was unmistakable, “Our time has come.”

 .

Their eyes opened, they looked at each other, then at Solonia. Evidently she hadn’t heard, as she was still in worship mode. Kala and Saro knew immediately what this meant. They stood up and led Solonia out of the temple toward the seraphic launch.

 .

As they left, Solonia asked, “Did you receive instructions?”

 .

The pair stopped and faced her. Kala answered, “We did. We’re returning to M7.” Solonia then realized it was near time for her wards, her ascending friends, to unite with their Adjusters.

 .

No sooner had they landed on M7, than their four Guardians appeared bearing good news. One of Kala’s angels said, “You have been granted citizenship on Jerusem. And you are instructed to proceed to its fusion temple forthwith.”

 .

The pair smiled knowingly. Then the six of them embraced as Solonia looked on with adoration and admiration. Their Guardians expressed delight and pleasure at the pair’s success, and the assurance that they too will be certified for the Paradise journey when Kala and Saro are joined to God. They and their wards are about to take their first step into the assurance of eternal reality.

 .

Solonia immediately filed a new itinerary, routing them to Jerusem the next morning. The last day on M7 they spent visiting several of its temples and coming to know some of the many beings whom they were now able to see, thanks to the eight adjustments–and their brief and fascinating odyssey sailing up to Mansonia’s headwaters. The pair ended the day with a last supper reenactment at their temporary lodging, just between them, followed by a wakeful night under M7’s beautiful sky communing within and giving thanks for the now imminent possibility of entering into eternal life and enjoying true spiritual liberty in the Universe of universes.

 .

Just before dawn, Kala said to her beloved Saro, “Eternity begins in earnest today. For two more of God’s children from Urantia.” She kissed his cheek.

 .

***

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Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

 

Page 58

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After landing on Jerusem, Solonia took them directly to the morontia temple complex where the fusion process takes place and entered their names into both the official registry of System citizens, and the log of that day’s fusion candidates. The temple is the grandest Kala and Saro had yet seen. Its beauty and allure, the creative employment of light and materials, the Celestial Artisans’ use of, “almost all of the two hundred morontia elements,” according to Solonia, in their works of art and sculpture, deeply impressed the pair. It seemed a fitting place for such a catalytic transmutation of material energy and divine spirit.

  .

The temple is surrounded by immense residential areas constructed especially to house off-sphere visitors, local students, and Jerusem citizens attending the fusion ceremony. At the center of the huge temple’s circular promenade is a spacious stage on and above which fusion occurs.

  .

Looking at the manifest Solonia said, “You have over twelve thousand co-fusers. But you will be separated into groups of one thousand.”

  .

Saro asked, “May we be in the same group?”

  .

“You may, it has been arranged.” The pair thanked her.

  .

While preparations were being made for this once-in-an-eternal-career event, the trio walked around the temple’s seven circular galleries, and spoke with many fellow fusion candidates and their friends. They learned that most had ascended from an evolutionary world; had originated in some order of animal being with one, two, or three brains; were breathers and non breathers. Almost all had acquired an Adjuster in mortal life, died, and progressed up the mansion regime within a large class. A class not unlike the one Kala and Saro will lead after forming and training their team. But first, the business at hand, ending the period of betrothal with their Indwellers by wedding themselves to God in Eternity.

  .

When all was set, when every preparation was made, an emeritus leader of the System’s Morontia Companions took the stage. She introduced a Mighty Messenger, a former mortal who passed all the great tests, completed the long training of time and space in the seven superuniverses, traversed Havona’s billion worlds, met and was embraced by God on Paradise. The Messenger is a one-time Nebadon citizen who was Trinitized on Paradise. Kala and Saro more than once thought of pursuing such a path as these ‘mighty’ universal servers.

  .

He stepped forward to address this happy group of three billion—and billions more viewing remotely.

  .

With a beaming smile he said, “Welcome to all.” A roar of cheers rolled over the immense crowd and resounded off the promenade walls.

  .

“Mighty Messengers, in common with all Trinity-embraced sons, are assigned to all phases of superuniverse activities. They maintain constant connection with their headquarters through the superuniverse reflectivity service. Mighty Messengers serve in all sectors of a superuniverse and frequently execute missions to the local universes and even to the individual worlds.

  .

“The sending of Adjusters, their indwelling, is indeed one of the unfathomable mysteries of God the Father. These fragments of the divine nature of the Universal Father carry with them the potential of creature immortality. Adjusters are immortal spirits, and union with them confers eternal life upon the soul of the fused mortal.

  .

“These indwelling fragments of God are with your order of being from the early days of physical existence through all of the ascending career in Nebadon and Orvonton and on through Havona, even to Paradise itself. Thereafter, in the eternal adventure, this same Adjuster is one with you and of you.

  .

“The spirits of mortal fusion always ascend to the level of origin; such spirit entities unfailingly return to the sphere of primal source. The Thought Adjuster, hailing from the Father on Paradise, never stops until the mortal son stands face to face with the eternal God. Adjuster-fused ascenders do indeed have a grand and glorious career as finaliters spread out before them in the eternal future. Adjuster-fused mortals are destined to penetrate the universe of universes.

  .

“When the evolving soul and the divine Adjuster are finally and eternally fused, each gains all of the experiencible qualities of the other. This co-ordinate personality possesses all of the experiential memory of survival once held by the ancestral mortal mind and then resident in the morontia soul, and in addition thereto this potential finaliter embraces all the experiential memory of the Adjuster throughout the mortal indwellings of all time. But it will require an eternity of the future for an Adjuster ever completely to endow the personality partnership with the meanings and values which the divine Monitor carries forward from the eternity of the past.

  .

“Thought Adjuster fusion imparts eternal actualities to personality which were previously only potential. Among these new endowments may be mentioned: fixation of divinity quality, past-eternity experience and memory, immortality, and a phase of qualified potential absoluteness.

 .

“When fusion with the Adjuster has been effected, there can be no future danger to the eternal career of such a personality. When the self attains the spiritual level, it has become a secure value in the universe, and this new value is predicated upon the fact that survival decisions have been made, which fact has been witnessed by eternal fusion with the Thought Adjuster. This extraordinary partnership is one of the most engrossing and amazing of all the cosmic phenomena of this universe age.

 .

“With Adjuster fusion the Universal Father has completed his promise of the gift of himself to his material creatures; he has fulfilled the promise, and consummated the plan, of the eternal bestowal of divinity upon humanity. Now begins the human attempt to realize and to actualize the limitless possibilities that are inherent in the supernal partnership with God which has thus factualized.

 .

“The present known destiny of surviving mortals is the Paradise Corps of the Finality; this is also the goal of destiny for all Thought Adjusters who become joined in eternal union with their mortal companions. At present the Paradise finaliters are working throughout the grand universe in many undertakings, but we all conjecture that they will have other and even more supernal tasks to perform in the distant future after the seven superuniverses have become settled in light and life, and when the finite God has finally emerged from the mystery which now surrounds this Supreme Deity.

 .

“What an adventure! What a romance! A gigantic creation to be administered by the children of the Supreme, these personalized and humanized Adjusters, these Adjusterized and eternalized mortals, these mysterious combinations and eternal associations of the highest known manifestation of the essence of the First Source and Center and the lowest form of intelligent life capable of comprehending and attaining the Universal Father.”

  .

  .

He then offered congratulations to the group of near-fusers now fully prepared and longing for the satisfaction of the consummation of a union with their indwelling fragments of divine essence. Today is a day of affirmation, confirmation, and reward for unflinching faith and unwavering loyalty. Today is the day twelve thousand more children of God, daughters and sons of Nebadon, will be born into eternal life.

  .

  .

***

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Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

Page 59

 .

At that point the Archangel of Records and the Supervising Archangel were summoned to the stage. The Archangel of Record said, “And now, you begin life anew.” The pair had learned enough of the System language to understand without Solonia’s translation.

 .

After those few words of initiation she directed fusion candidates to assemble at a designated holding area not far from, and connected to, the stage’s center. It took some time for all candidates to gather and find their group. They were assigned to twelve groups of one thousand each, plus one of nearly two hundred. Kala and Saro were told, when the time came, their group would take the stage first. Meanwhile the vast on-looking audience took seats and prepared themselves for celestial fireworks.

 .

As they waited and watched, Saro recalled a quote he had often pondered while on Urantia, about this moment before fusion. He recited part of it for Kala.

 .

“…what a beautiful occasion when mortals thus forgather to witness the ascension of their loved ones in spiritual flames, and what a contrast to those earlier ages when mortals must commit their dead to the embrace of the terrestrial elements! The scenes of weeping and wailing characteristic of earlier epochs of human evolution are now replaced by ecstatic joy and the sublimest enthusiasm…”

 .

Before they were asked to move to the appointed place at center stage, the thirteen groups watched as a host of beautifully arrayed celestial personalities formed a wide ring, positioning themselves between the stage and the audience. These personalities possess the ability to protect observers from the tremendous energies released at the instant the “life flash” occurs.

 .

Kala and Saro felt supremely peaceful. They were thoroughly enjoying the unspoken camaraderie and spiritual buoyancy of the occasion, along with the rest of their group of fellow fusers, and in view of billions of enthusiastic observers.

 .

With everything and everyone in readiness, the Archangel asked that all well-wishing friends and relations remove themselves from the groups. Kala and Saro turned to Solonia and expressed wordless appreciation and beaming love with a memorable embrace. They all shed a tear of ineffable joy and thanksgiving for each other and this moment.

 .

“When will we see you again?” Kala asked.

 .

“I have requested–and been granted–permission to remain at your side, to be your lieutenant in your coming labors, receiving and training a class of your fellow Urantians–if you want me. But I am leaving you for the moment, I love you.”

 .

“We want you!” the pair said as one.

 .

But before they could ask where she is going, Solonia departed and their four Guardians appeared, simultaneous with the greatest Adjuster awareness they had so far experienced. It suddenly became a supreme moment. The Supervising Archangel confirmed that the first group of one thousand were prepared. She directed that they proceed to the fusion arena, center stage. The Guardians congratulated the pair and the six of them embraced. Kala and Saro strongly felt their angelic joy. When the first fusion group received its final call their four Guardians left bearing broad and beautiful smiles.

 .

When they were on stage and in place the Archangel of Records came before this group of now supremely conscious fusion candidates to offer a final address in prayer, as the attentive audience genuflected and listened.

 .

“Father, today we gather to witness the creation of 12,192 new beings whose predecessors, in cooperation with your divine fragments, have made the final and irrevocable choice to become your child for all eternity. They have done this of their own accord, compelled only by the gravity your unfailing love and the infinite power of your extended grace and bounteous mercy. We thank you for this extension of divine love, and for them.

 .

“The Adjustered children who become Finaliters and serve in the evolving universes of time and space provide us with inspiration to better know you, and more opportunity to serve you, thereby assisting in your great and immediate work of unifying the Grand Universe in light and life, thus creating even greater service opportunities for us all in the ages to come, and in universes not yet inhabited.

 .

“As we witness the fusion of ascending pilgrims of time with divine descenders from eternity, we are humbled by your marvelous and stupendous plan that gives each and every being an enduring role in cosmic unfolding. We thank you for your solicitous watch-care that forgets none and cares for all. We know that your truth, beauty, and goodness are glorified and expanded in these children who have elected to follow our sovereign Creator Son, our divine parent Michael, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life for all Nebodon’s children.”

 .

She then stepped off the stage and a great quiet came over this group of billions. They were, everyone, now focused entirely on these one thousand beings about to make a cosmic leap into eternal life.

 .

After a moment of tingling silence, the thousand candidates heard the same voice. Only they and the attending Archangels heard the voice declare, “This is a beloved child in whom I am well pleased.” This simple ceremony marks the entrance of an ascending mortal upon the eternal career of Paradise service.

 .

Kala and Saro suddenly felt weightless and began rising very slowly. As the group rose together, the area around them began to vibrate with sound and emanate light. They took a last look at reality through dual eyes. Gradually they ascended, moving faster and faster. The on-looking audience began to cheer, watching the morontia bodies rapidly turning to brilliant light. The ascenders’ beautiful, ringing, cosmic laughs were the last sounds heard.

 .

The now luminous group was quickly accelerated high in the air until a critical point was reached. Suddenly great and blinding flashes burst forth followed by a dazzling array of one thousand shafts of rainbow lights splintering in every direction, then merging and filling the whole of the Jerusem sky, culminating as one great unified light of divine sparkle and perfect hue. The audience cheered and spontaneously wept for joy, and for the glory of our omnipotent God who makes the seemingly miraculous possible, the joining of the creatures of time and space with the Creator of eternity and infinity, and before their very eyes.

 .

***

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Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

 Page 60

 . .

The pair next found themselves back in morontia form at a nearly deserted Resurrection Hall on M1. They were greeted by their four Guardian Angels and Solonia, who took them immediately to their first Mansonia residence. How refreshing to see again the lovely, simple cottage with the swinging platform that hangs from the huge flowering tree in back, next to the park where they spent their first night on M1. It was under that tree where they first met Solonia. And it was here where they first connected with their Adjusters as newly resurrected pilgrims many days ago—many days that now seemed to them like a lifetime unto itself.

  .

After arriving and re-examining their charming little abode, the group went out back to commune under the great tree’s falling petals. Before they all mounted the swing, they embraced. It was their first as fused ascenders. The seven held together as one for a transcendent moment. It was a touching scene as they embraced in divine and selfless love, as the aromatic petals drifted down and over them. After a while of unspoken joy and shared affection, their Guardians informed the pair of their new names. The names by which they shall forever be known.

  .

Solonia liked them very much, exclaiming, “Perfect!!”

  .

With deep love and affection a Guardian said to the pair, “We now have much more in common.”

  .

  .

All newly fused beings are granted forty days liberty. The first twenty the pair spent touring worlds of the System they had not previously visited, meeting the residents and learning about the local culture, also communing within at selected temples where other fused ascenders foregather. They also took time to consider the grander options that now came before them as a result of fusion. Specifically their eventual destiny, their route home to God on Paradise, including the possibility of pursuing careers as Mighty Messengers. But since their immediate project of leading a class of ex-Urantians up through Mansonia training will require an extended stay in the System, they chose to postpone most of those decisions, thinking their selections may be even wiser at the end of their long tenures as class leaders.

  .

The second twenty days the pair used to become more familiar with the physical, intellectual, and spiritual facilities on all the worlds of the System. They especially sought out educational tools that had proven effective for other educators and leaders. In their customary selfless fashion, true to the beauty of their character, they wanted to begin at once assimilating knowledge and creating worthy plans for their coming service as leaders of a class of their fellows. What an honor to lead a group of Urantian siblings up and through the seven heavens of Mansonia, and on to Jerusem, where one cycle of spirit training ends and a new one begins. For this dedicated pair of now Adjuster-fused status, this felt like the real beginning of eternal friendship, even an infinite love affair, with God the maker and keeper of all beings and things, even our Universal Father.

  .

  .

***

 .

Copyright re warren 2017

Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

Resurrection Hall 

.

 A Mansion World Odyssey

.

Chapter 1

.

~ The Awakening ~

 .

       Her eyes popped open. She drew her first breath, then another, deeper one. She was standing and having to focus on balance. Two beings were there to steady her, one on the left and one on the right. She somehow knew they could be none other than her Guardian Angels. Suddenly her mind was flooded with images. Her faithful and beloved Adjuster arrived with the transcripts of her personal memories of life on Urantia. She hadn’t yet grasped that this is Resurrection Hall on mansion one, but she did realize and know she was alive again.

 .

This new unification of body, mind, soul, personality and Adjuster was an intense event of wonder and awe, also one of rapid adjustment. Next, the two angels came directly in front of her. They moved in very close; she felt embraced like never before. She then realized she was standing on a mansion world and this was her first post-mortal encounter, that her soul must be there also, and that her identity was indeed reconstituted and intact. She was resurrected!

 .

Simultaneously with that embrace she strongly sensed the presence of her indwelling Thought Adjuster, her Paradise Partner. Adjuster memories of Earth life were flooding her mind, as fast as she could assimilate them. As the moments passed, the eternal significance of this event was coming together in her mind, her new mind. How pristine and vast that mind seemed at this moment. In all eternity she would never forget this day of awakening. She had indeed survived and was now breathing and living on another world. How wonderful, how great, how fulfilling!!

 .

Along with her Guardian Angels there were several other beings gathered around who seemed vaguely familiar. Some she must have known on Urantia, some not. She felt so very warm, energized, confident and fearless, but needed time to adjust. It was overwhelming, so many pictures were flashing in her mind. It was a story. Her story! Past events were quickly connecting this new mind to her life on Urantia. She was remembering and reassembling experiences in greater detail and establishing their chronological order.

 .

Her beloved family, where were they? She thought to ask, but the words didn’t come out. The angels seemed to be mumbling at her. What were they saying? It wasn’t making sense because she was not yet completely connected. And too, she was feeling overwhelmed by the intense beauty and palpable friendliness of the beings and environment to which she had just awoken. Her mind was foggy for an instant, then clear, then foggy again. Clarity began to dominate, and her spirit began to soar on the growing realization of resurrection.

 .

After a moment more her focus and attention stabilized and shifted to immediate surroundings. Primarily the astonishingly beautiful and caring beings attending her. Their faces were so lovely and well defined. And they were somehow helping her awaken a multitude of memories. So many were coming at once.

 .

At the same time, her soul was flying ever higher at the realization of the vindication of her faith in God and Michael, her belief in continuing life, and the validity of the revelations she was now beginning to recall, about resurrection on Mansonia. With every moment’s passing she was more fully aware she was a soul survivor, an Agondonter from Urantia, newly awakened on Mansonia. All she could think at that moment was, ‘thank you God, thank you Michael, thank you Mother!!!’

 .

 .

   Again she attempted to speak, wanting to say, ‘breathing is incredible!’ With each breath she could feel powerful energy coursing through her marvelous, strong, pain-free, highly sensitive, nascent body. The smell of the air was truly rich. She thought but couldn’t say: ‘what a lovely aroma here.’

 .

Looking around she noticed everything and everyone was beautifully clean, sparkling and intricately appointed. The floor and low walls were made of lustrous metals and lined with inlaid jewels and gems vastly diverse in hue and form. Every being in sight was aglow with an unmistakable and warm luminescence. The sky was a magnificent cloudless vault of deep blue, without a shining sun, a moon, or a cloud.

 .

As she gazed over the resurrection scene, too amazed to speak, the angel on her left put before her what appeared to be a three dimensional mirror. She watched closely as the image rotated, then in complete amazement thought, ‘O my God! That IS me?!’ She knew it had to be her, but what a change. This body is young, smooth, and straight, vision and hearing are superb. Next she took note of her hands and feet, wiggling her fingers and toes, they are perfectly formed and very sensitive.

 .

On her body was a light wrap, a truly beautiful super-shimmering fabric—a sort of morontia material she thought. Morontia! She always enjoyed contemplating that word. And now she felt much like a super version of her old self, one she had often imagined. She touched the image and uttered, “This is me, morontia me, I am alive, I AM alive!”

 .

Everyone standing around said in unison, “You are!” She could communicate, she could hear and be heard, and in a language she understood! All was coming together now; greater and greater perspective was accumulating with each passing moment. She was awake and alive in the Resurrection Hall of Mansion World number one. But where was her family? Why were they not here to greet her? Had her grandparents, parents, dead cousins and friends not survived? Many questions were surfacing in her nimble new mind.

 .

“Where is my husband? Is Saro here?”

 .

“Come with us, Kala,” her right side Guardian said.

 .

She felt compelled to confirm who they were: “You are my Guardian Angels, aren’t you?”

 .

“Yes”, they replied together. Her angels were so very beautiful and charming, she felt an instant affection and familiarity with them. How strange and wonderful to actually see and hear her angels, even though she had often felt their presence on Urantia.

 .

But who were the other brilliant and shining beings around her? Should she introduce herself? Evidently introductions were to come later. Kala realized each of these beings must be important to her, but couldn’t quite place them. At this point, only her Guardians and her Paradise Partner felt familiar. It was dawning on her how much more there was to learn, and recall.

 .

She attempted to move and almost fell forward. Both angels caught her by the arms steadying her.

 .

“Give me a second,” she said, then consciously put one foot forward, then the other. She was walking for the first time. It wasn’t hard, just new. Everything and everyone here somehow felt greatly amplified and improved, but the adjustment was not instantaneous. Certain of her memories and skills were returning with each moment. But she had the distinct feeling there were many other memories, ones she could not yet access.

 .

Movement, sight, hearing, smell, touch, the ability to experience and comprehend—all these were present as on Urantia, but here they are magnified and sharpened. She hadn’t gained or lost anything, except this new and amazing body-mind, along with, of course, the priceless gift of soul and personality survival. This was her first step toward eternal union with the Indweller from Paradise, fusion with her Adjuster.

 .

For the first time she glanced at the horizon and everything and everyone in between. There were other groups of beings—much like the one she was in—everywhere, many thousands of them. As far as she could see there were similar groupings.

 .

She took more steps as the angels gently guided her to the adjacent resurrection chamber. At its center was a being she recognized immediately. Kala and Saro locked eyes for the first time as resurrected beings. She rushed to him, he lunged toward her, as their angels and other beings in attendance converged around them.

 .

It was a moment for the ages, a memory they would never, ever forget, wherein a one-time husband and wife meet on Mansonia, and in morontia form, for their first embrace after 55 years of life together as human mortals on Urantia. Evidently they had passed the great test of mortal incarceration and embryonic soul development.

 .

 .

Saro’s first steps were attempted when he saw her approaching. He almost fell too, in the move toward his longtime mate and friend, except for the aid of his attending Guardians. Kala’s and Saro’s first embrace was one of transcendent love, too beautiful and fulfilling for words. Suddenly they both felt tremendous gratitude for the God who made this resurrection and reunification possible. Great tears came to their new eyes, tears of appreciation and joy. What a marvelous plan Our Father has created for time and space ascenders. And to think, what they are seeing and experiencing during these first moments of life as resurrected beings are but the bare beginnings of morontia life.

 .

Kala’s and Saro’s reconnection brought up many, many questions for which they had no answers. They were having more and more memory flashes of life on Urantia, experiences that had significant meaning and value, moments of genuine religious experience, things of great spiritual import, and well established relationships with their families, friends, and former teammates.

 .

Obviously they had retained language, sensory, and movement abilities. But most prominent in their minds at this moment was the series of spiritual connections that brought them to this astonishing place, and in a new body. Kala was recalling the time when Michael’s spirit touched her, after which she took an abiding interest in the revelations and teachings of the Urantia Book. Saro was recalling receiving God’s reply after he prayed, asking if he should marry Kala, and receiving a resounding ‘YES’. But how and when did they die? So many questions needed to be answered.

 .

At that point their Guardians introduced themselves. Kala and Saro thanked them sincerely and profusely for the safe-keeping of their souls, and for all they did pre-death, some of which they were only now recalling. Always had Kala felt the Guardians’ guidance and the Adjuster’s influence. Saro did in a measure also sense and appreciate their work for his spiritual well being and physical safety when he and Kala were on Urantia.

 .

Their four angels drew near and all six embraced in a charming little huddle. How warm and full of love Kala and Saro felt. For decades the Guardians had worked with the pair, unseen, helping them spread the teachings and the text of the Urantia Book. And now their trusted Guardian Angels were visible, even embraceable. Meeting them face to face was a rewarding and confirmatory experience. At the same time, the feeling of  affirmation of their long-held faith in the existence of God and his angels was immensely gratifying, satisfying, even thrilling.

 .

Suddenly, and simultaneously, Saro and Kala recalled dying. Being together again somehow sparked this traumatic memory. They drew a deep breath, looked into each others’ beautiful new eyes, and recalled that it was a quick and merciful death. They were flying a single engine airplane–both were pilots–delivering Urantia Books to a new library system on a large but remote island in western Indonesia. On board was one box of each translation, as requested by the chief librarian.

 .

A storm cloud was behind them, so they felt safe. But when they flew over a high ridge they were confronted with another and bigger cloud. There was no choice except to go on, but it was not to be. Lightening was all around. They thought of going higher, over the storm, or quickly landing somewhere. Before they could act, a tremendous bolt struck the plane instantly destroying it, along with the mortal bodies of Kala and Saro Maylon. Amazingly, all of the books were later found, largely intact, and still wrapped in plastic. And all did eventually reach their destination.

 .

“When did we die?” Saro asked his Guardians.

 .

“Three days ago”, they replied together. Saro and Kala were both thinking what charming voices the angels have.

 .

“We qualified for the three day express!”, Saro exclaimed, “just like we were hoping for.” They smiled, laughed for the first time, then kissed. Their first as morontians. It was difficult not to smile, given their happy new situation. And they both couldn’t help noticing how youthful and vibrant their morontia bodies are. And every second memories of Urantia, their former estate, were emerging in their beautiful, new, morontia minds.

 .

***

 .

Dissussions, comments, questions, critiques welcome here and here: http://urantia-association.org/forums/topic/resurrection-hall-redux/

.

Copyright re warren 2017

Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

 

CHAPTER 2 – Reunion

Next, a Pilgrim Receiver stepped up, introducing herself by name and title, and addressing the pair by their first names. The Receiver sincerely and touchingly welcomed Kala and Saro to Mansion one, to their “new lives as semi-physical beings,” and to “their first stop on the way to Paradise.” At that moment they were feeling more like super-beings.

Just then Kala recalled that Pilgrim Receivers are a type of Morontia Companion who are created by Michael’s mate, the Divine Minister of Nebadon. Before they died, they both had near encyclopedic knowledge of the Urantia Book’s text. Those recollections were quickly falling into place. Gradually but certainly, reflections of their former lives were coalescing in their morontia minds, thanks to Adjuster memory transcripts, acquired soul values, and God-given personality, now combined and resurrected in a new morontia form.

After their introduction and welcoming, the Receiver expressed genuine pleasure at meeting these two Agondonters from Urantia, whose life records she had reviewed prior to this meeting. Kala and Saro couldn’t help but notice how charming and genial she was.

The Receiver then signaled two in their reception group to come forward. “Kala, meet your parents.” She was completely stunned at first, then very happy. Of course! How could she not recognize them? The difficulty was that everyone appeared young, vibrant, unbent, and unwrinkled.

She reached out and took one parent in each arm for an affectionate embrace, then looked into their lovely morontian eyes. Such a thrilling experience to be alive and in another body that is so exquisitely sensitive and highly responsive. But to accept and integrate the fact that her elderly parents are also now in new, robust, healthy bodies would take time. It then occurred to Kala that everyone here is more sibling-like than an elder or a junior, that generational differences disappear when everyone is forever young.

Now she was once again with her dear mother and father. She had often wondered who would be there to greet her at resurrection. She exchanged words of endearment with her parents, and laid plans “to catch up.” Then Saro embraced his parents-in-law, suddenly recalling the many study group meetings he and Kala attended at her parents home on Urantia. Kala was a second generation reader, Saro was a first, having learned of the book from Kala.

Then suddenly, Kala recognized two others. Her maternal grandparents, kindly relatives she truly cherished when on Urantia. She embraced them heartily, and at the same time came to a fuller realization that she must now begin relating to her parents and grandparents as equals, as ascending peers and aspiring souls, contemporaries in the long pursuit of perfection. Her grandparents congratulated them on survival, and secured a promise from the pair for a long visit.

“And you may recall this person.” The Receiver beckoned one that was, without a doubt, her cousin, for whom Kala had cried and grieved much when cancer took her away during late adolescence. They were more like sisters and best friends than cousins.

“Hello Kala!”

“Joy, you’re here!” They hugged and danced in a small circle. What good news that she too had survived, and now they had eternity ahead, which no disease could prevent. Kala looked up to her, deeply admiring the courage, wisdom, and faith Joy displayed during the illness and right up to her death. They conferred for a moment, planning to meet later for a “day on the town.”

All of Kala’s family members then circled and embraced her. She quickly looked each one in the eye, then kissed their cheek. Saro was beaming at the beauty of this reunion. He watched with true joy and anticipation, knowing the others in their group, the ones standing back watching this resurrection scene, might be his relations. But he couldn’t yet identify any.

The Receiver then asked, “Saro, do you recognize this person?” He peered into the being’s face. Suddenly it hit him.

“Will! You’re here too! I’m so glad.”

Will died in war when Saro was only nineteen. He was all but crushed by his brother’s death. It was a difficult and soul-searching period in his life. Saro had always admired and emulated his only sibling. Will was much older than Saro, and truly a good person. The two of them hugged and agreed to meet, talk, and roam, after they were settled.

Next, two male cousins came face to face with Saro. The three of them had been best of friends all their Urantian lives. Both cousins had preceded Saro in death, and he missed them greatly. Always was it a memorable occasion when, as boys, and as men, they gathered to make music, oftentimes with Will as band leader.

They shook hands and shared a warm, fraternal embrace. Saro couldn’t have been happier, except he wondered why his parents and grandparents were not there to welcome him, as were Kala’s. He thought to ask his cousins if their parents had survived, for he loved them too. They informed Saro that his aunt and uncle were expected to reappear at the next millennial resurrection.

Saro hesitated to ask where his parents were. He well remembered they showed little interest in things spiritual, and worried he might not see them again. But he was already feeling trust and affinity for these morontia beings, realizing that all questions would find answers in good time.

Sensing his question, Will informed Saro, “mom and dad are still asleep.” He was disappointed but happy to know they would be resurrected at some point. Saro was now recalling the teachings about resurrection; some fuse with their Indweller while on the planet of nativity; some die and are re-personalized after three days as he and Kala had; and some become sleeping survivors who will awake in morontia bodies at millennial or dispensational resurrections.

After the introductions and welcoming, the group was quiet for a brief moment, enjoying the aftermath of this seemingly miraculous resurrection, one that was a routine occurrence for the Receiver. Then, spontaneously, the two families and their newly resurrected relatives began socializing, introducing one another, and discussing others they knew of, ones who were or were not yet resurrected. Kala and Saro laughed for the first time during the exchange. How good it was to laugh and feel the joy of being, how rich everything and everyone here! This went on for a while. The Receiver appeared to encourage the social interaction. Obviously it had a stabilizing and bonding effect on her newborn charges.

Right now, consciousness of survival was uppermost in their quick and powerful new minds, along with an appreciation for this warm reception by their beloved family members, charmingly facilitated by the Receiver. They could sense that much thought, time, and energy had gone into planning and arranging this birthing, this new beginning for two lowly but ascending pilgrims from Urantia. All the while, the pair was becoming more aware of the hive of activity around them, as tens of thousands of simultaneous resurrections unfolded in the great hall.

Next, the Receiver asked for the group’s attention. She pointed to the center of Resurrection Hall saying they should begin moving in that direction. The vast circular hall is divided into seven enormous sections, and it very gradually slopes toward the center. Each of the seven sections is dedicated to the resurrection of one of the races that typify life on evolutionary worlds. Around the seven sections is an outer ring where beings who belonged to no one race are resurrected.

Kala and Saro were both of mixed race inheritance on Urantia. Their mothers were long time friends who had immigrated to the United States from Indonesia with a small group of World War II refugees. After the war, they met, dated, and married American men—newly discharged soldiers. Kala was an only child, Saro and Will had no other siblings.

The pair grew up not far from each other in a peaceful suburb of Chicago, but had only passing contact until they entered the same college. It was there Kala introduced Saro to the Urantia Book. Kala’s father was led to the revelation by a friend at work who invited him to one of the Sunday afternoon ‘Forum’ sessions, at the Sadler’s north side residence during the late 1930’s and early ‘40’s.

Kala’s dad attended the Forum for several years before going off to war. After the war, he met and married Kala’s mother. When he heard the Urantia Book was published in 1955, he bought a copy. He and Kala’s mother became life long students. And they were very pleased when their daughter embraced its teachings, but only after a somewhat troubled adolescence.

Kala and Saro had three children while on Urantia, and they were grandparents of five, with two more on the way when they so suddenly departed for Mansonia. They were both thinking of their families at this moment, anticipating the day they might all be reunited on Mansonia. And the wonderful surprises their children and grandchildren have in store!

Their group was quite a distance from the central temple, but it looked especially beautiful from their point of view, emitting a soft and appealing light. They could see a tall spire at its center, reaching into the sky, supported by seven thin beams, one extending from each section.

“Kala, remember the Temple of New Life described in the Urantia Book?” Saro asked.

“Yes, I do. That has to be it,” she replied.

Their Receiver said, “Newborn pilgrims inevitably wish to thank those who helped with their resurrection, but even more they desire to offer worshipful thanksgiving to the Paradise Father for making survival possible.”

“I do feel that need,” said Kala. Saro nodded agreement.

Slowly, their group began walking toward the hall’s center. These two Agondonters from Urantia were feeling very much in the moment, drinking in one wonder after another. They were having joyful thoughts, imagining living, working, playing, resting, and worshipping amid such wonders all the time, everywhere. Evidently their relatives who welcomed them had become accustomed to this wealthy environment, free of animal fear, cosmic ignorance, and physical disease. Their families were thoroughly enjoying watching Kala and Saro’s reactions to the newness and thrill of being alive in a fresh body with a new mind, and on a better world.

“This hall can facilitate a million resurrections at once, as I recall,” said Saro.

“That is correct,” replied the Receiver. “Yours is a special resurrection, and a relatively small one. Approximately 200,000.”

Now all the groups were breaking up and moving toward the hall’s center, ambling down the broad aisles between each of the seven sections. What a joyous occasion, what a glorious place! They were both thinking that the experience of this moment is worth any suffering one may have encountered in the first life as a corporeal being. Words failed them while this reality filled them to the brim with the sheer joy of the consciousness of resurrection on a mansion world.

As their group moved down the aisle toward the central Temple along with the gathering flow, Kala and Saro observed the faces and forms of other newborns, comparing them to each other, to their relatives, and to the Morontia Companions, all the while delighting in the underlying premise of Mansonia; the idea and ideal of cosmic unity–everyone knowing and venerating the same God.

No longer were they in a world where people are forever arguing over religious ideology, struggling for secular power and influence, and fighting over territorial sovereignty. There is a palpable fearlessness and a pervasive spiritual unity on Mansonia that the pair liked very much. It felt like they had come home to a place they had never been.

The closer to the Temple they came, the better they could discern its main features: bowl-shaped with a slightly elevated rim, and gigantic to Saro’s and Kala’s wide-eyes. The great hall of resurrection and its central temple are completely open to the bright sunless sky. No rain, no lightening, no earthquakes, and no hurricanes trouble this sphere.

The Receiver pointed to a majestic sculpture at the very center of the temple and said, “That is the Michael Memorial. It has Gabriel’s seal, with the words: “In commemoration of the mortal transit of Jesus of Nazareth on Urantia.” (188:3.11) Saro and Kala were once again following in this footsteps.

They were noticing that beautifully intricate artwork covered every surface, that well appointed sculpture accentuated every corner and post, with which morontia plant life was very tastefully integrated. Lovely purplish-violet leaved vines with an array of colored flowers were climbing each side of the shiny arched entrance to the Temple of Life. Indeed, the temple area itself is magnificently embellished with sparkling gems, shimmering metals, and shining jewels from its outer rim to the intervening concentric seating arrangement, to the round stage at its center and lowest point.

Kala’s Guardian said to the pair, “We leave you in the Receiver’s experienced hands for the moment, and go to officially register your resurrection and record your status as morontia survivors. We will rejoin you after your commune. And know that we are always watching over you, even if not seen.” The pair thanked them, embraced them, and took note of their quickly growing affection for them. The four Guardians then moved away so quickly as to vanish.

.The Receiver led them through the arches and down to their reserved seats. The chairs were very comfortable, with high backs and cushioned armrests. They were made from materials that seemed to embrace and comfort their morontia skin. Sitting for the first time, Saro and Kala looked at each other and wondered silently and simultaneously what the rest of Mansonia could be like, given the astonishing things they had so far witnessed.

The din of thousands chattering filled their new ears. Hearing was astonishingly clear and easily focused. Indeed, all their senses were becoming sharper. As the other resurrectees entered the temple and sought out their places, Saro and Kala sat watching, listening, and waiting. They were thoroughly enjoying the spikes and nuances of their new senses, stimulated by the sights and sounds of 200,000 fellow resurrectees during these initial moments as morontians.

It took awhile for all groups to enter and find their seats. As they did, Kala and Saro sat side by side, continuing to gaze at this fantastic scene of their fellow beings, all gathering in this one place to give thanks to, and engage in the worship of, the God of All Creation. These humble pilgrims have come together here at this time and place for a celebration of life everlasting, and the One who made it possible, beginning anew this very day for two God loving Agondonters from Urantia.

***

.Dissussions, comments, questions, critiques welcome here, and here: http://urantia-association.org/forums/topic/resurrection-hall-redux/

.

Copyright re warren 2017

Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

 .

Chapter 3 – First Worship, First Night

  .

When all were inside and seated, an astonishingly beautiful angel–a “Conductor of Worship,” whispered their Receiver–entered the central stage and lifted her hands high, arresting and focusing attention. The audience fell silent. The Conductor remained still with hands held high. Then, as if from everywhere, there came a most wondrous sound. Then another, even more appealing. Music! They were hearing Morontia music. How rich, how moving! They sat in rapt attention as the sounds intermingled and harmonized. It was truly celestial in tone and composure. The sounds made them better realize the range and acuity of their hearing.

  .

Spontaneously, everyone genuflected. Some took to their knees, some simply sat and bowed their heads. It was so natural and so appropriate at a time like this. These two Adondonters were feeling immensely thankful for continuing life. The Receivers were ever grateful to be midwives to more new souls for God whom they too adored; their dedication and love for this service was obvious. Kala’s and Saro’s relatives were enjoying this almost as much as they were, now fondly recalling their first experiences giving thanks and worshipping as morontia beings.

  .

Kala praised God, silently, in her thoughts. Saro too. In fact all the resurectees were doing just that. The music was rousing everyone to greater heights of emotional focus and thanksgiving. Tears began to flow from thousands of eyes. How can God create such things, and in such abundance? This prayerful interlude was deeply humbling and sublimely divine, perfect for this day of life-refreshing and resurrection on one of God’s ‘many mansions.’

  .

Evidently, no words were going to be said. Music was the language that transcended all idiomatic barriers during this experience. Then it stopped. A collective moan of pleasure and joy swept over the gathering. Then the music began again, but this was much different. These sounds soothed and quieted their minds. They all then felt a strong urge to worship, to internally embrace their indwelling Adjusters who had so patiently and persistently worked within that they could be here, on high, living, breathing, and worshiping a great God, a perfect Father, as newborn morontians who will never again die.

  .

It was difficult to judge how long this worship session went on. Saro and Kala were so caught up that time seemed to disappear, and God never felt nearer. They also expressed, in their own minds in their own ways, heartfelt gratitude and loving affection for our creator father and mother, Michael, and the Divine Minister. It felt as if they were in their deepest embrace ever, with a trinity of divine lovers, the Universal Father, the Spirit of Truth, and the Holy Spirit.

  .

The music gradually shaded off into silence as all remained perfectly still and content in worshipful unity and loving appreciation. At that moment, one of Kala’s favorite lines in the Urantia Book about worship came to mind, one she had memorized and often repeated in times of stress, “…the act of worship becomes increasingly all-encompassing until it eventually attains the glory of the highest experiential delight and the most exquisite pleasure known to created beings.” (27:7.1) And this was only their first taste of worship as resurrected beings. One they will remember forever.

  .

The Conductor leading this marvelous gathering returned to center stage, not uttering a word, simply raising, then lowering her hands and bowing. That was their exit signal. Saro’s and Kala’s Receiver leaned toward them saying: “Time to go to your lodging.”

  .

The throngs began filing out of this wonder evoking temple, each resurrection group reforming and moving toward the exit arches, each group being led by a Pilgrim Receiver to a different lodge in the Melchizedek sector. As they were exiting, Saro’s and Will’s two cousins regretfully excused themselves, leaving for a prior commitment and promising to reconnect with Saro and Kala when schedules permit. They warmly embraced and congratulated the pair, then departed.

  .

As the group strolled toward the Melchizedek sector the Receiver said to them, “When you have been properly welcomed and oriented during the next two days, you will be free to explore and become familiar with the Mansonia training regime. First, you may wish to view the registry of those already here, your deceased relatives and friends. After the initial ten days of ‘vacation’, you will begin the Paradise journey anew. For now, enjoy, explore, and most of all, talk with others. Translators will always be available should they be required. And one or both of your personal angelic guardians is always near.”

  .

Both Saro and Kala then recalled that a day in mansonia was almost three times as long as a day on Urantia. That meant they had about a month to explore, learn, observe, discover, connect and revel in this new life, this amazing mansion world.

  .

Their four Guardian Angels reappeared at that moment. How interesting the appearance of these Guardian Seraphim. They have heads, arms, and feet, but their friction shields were compactly set in their backs. The angels spread these so-called wings before they take flight in the cold depths of space, wrapping them around themselves and any cargo they may have, into the shape of a torpedo. The Guardians fairly glowed with an appealing luminescence. They were obviously extremely bright and capable. And they could move so quickly that they seemed to disappear.

  .

One of Saro’s angels said, “We four Guardians wish to convey our congratulations on your resurrection. For many decades we worked with and for you on Urantia, always unseen and unheard. Now we are visible and you can hear these words: We love you and want to express our appreciation for your willing cooperation and wise choosing as humans on Urantia. Not all angels are so fortunate to have such cooperative wards.” Her words were so tender, kind, and sincere, the pair was moved to embrace them again.

  .

“Thank you for watching over us all those years,” Saro said. “Your faithful guidance must surely be part of the reason we are here now.”

  .

Kala added, “I’m very happy to finally see and speak with you face to face. I can recall thinking of you, trying to imagine your appearance.” She then asked one of her Guardians, “Would you mind unfolding your shields? Can you? Is that permitted?” Without hesitation the four fanned out and slowly did so. The group stopped to watch Kala’s and Saro’s reaction on seeing angels with ‘wings’ spread for the first time.

  .

Their jaws went slack and they ceased breathing as they witnessed each Guardian’s double set of shields unfurl, extending from the seraphim’s heads to their angelic toes. Angels were indeed charming and lovely creatures to behold.

  .

“Your shields look as much like energy as living flesh,” said Saro.

  .

It was a great thrill for them to be able to see and interact with these amazing beings, these mind ministers and personal carriers, who will literally fly every ascending son and daughter of God to his Paradise home. The angels rejoiced that their beloved wards were successful, which meant they were successful and now open to the real possibility of journeying to Paradise also. The love among the four angels and their two subjects, which took origin on Urantia, was now quite obvious, they could all feel and enjoy it. After a short embrace the angels departed. But first they promised that one of them was, “always watching and available.”

  .

As the group approached the ascending pilgrim’s residential area, the pair’s eyes widened. They could not help noticing its charming architecture and artistic details. Nothing was left to chance in the flora either, no weeds were apparent. Their residence is an elegantly appointed area with plants of many varieties, dazzling flowers of colors they had to stop and examine, smell, and marvel over. There was a short, winding path to the entrance of their lodging.

  .

“This is so beautiful,” they said simultaneously, then laughed as they could not stop marveling at everything they had seen on this first day, during these first impressionable hours as newly resurrected beings. The group of relatives continued to watch the pair as they entered the roofless abode, vicariously enjoying their first day experiences as mansion world progressors.

  .

“I don’t think I could ever have imagined the beauty and variety of morontia materials,” commented Kala as she looked over their surroundings.

  .

Saro was now recalling something that always intrigued him, written by one who was granted a vision of Mansonia. The apostle Paul wrote, and was quoted in the Urantia Book, “They have in heaven a better and more enduring substance.” (48:1.7) Then he remembered that Morontia materials have one hundred more elements than the one hundred evolving planets have. And how well the morontians have used them, thought Saro.

  .

The walls of their lodging were high enough for privacy, but the outer rooms had transparent spaces, mansion world windows. At the center of this magnificently constructed little building was a bedroom without windows. It was no less glorious in appearance than the other enclosures and edifices they had seen. The Receiver touched a panel and instantly the bedroom’s walls became windows. “Have privacy if you like,” she said. Touching the panel again, the artistically adorned walls returned. The bed was laced and layered in a most appealing fashion. The pair anticipated their first night’s rest there, on this beautiful, peaceful world.

  .

They then moved into the largest room. It had seating all around, with three tables and chairs in the center, obviously intended for guests and socializing. Appealing artwork embellished nearly every surface and article. Saro and Kala were all but over-awed at this point. To bring things into perspective and break any tension the pair might be feeling, Will asked his brother, “Hey Saro, how do you get to Paradise?”

  .

“I don’t know Will, how?” he said with a big smile, recalling his brother’s quirky humorous side.

  .

“PerFECT, perFECT, perFECT!” said Will with a broad smile and a wink.

  .

They all chuckled. The relatives were recalling that was one of the first memes they learned on Mansonia. Saro and Kala were both classical musicians and, at that moment, realized Will’s quip was a morontia twist on a trick question to aspiring musicians aiming for Urantia’s highest recital hall–How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice!

  .

Their Pilgrim Receiver asked them to sit while she spoke a few words of parting to the pair. “Enjoy the rest of the day dear Agondonters and new friends. Visit with your relatives, then spend your first night under Mansonia’s stars. Please feel free to become familiar with the surrounding area, and to make yourselves comfortable here.

  .

“Before they depart for the night, perhaps your friends will show you how to use the lodging’s features and options.” The group nodded. “Roam the sector if you like, I will be by for you tomorrow at dawn. I have a request to make of you two. But for now, relax. Tomorrow will be here soon enough.”

  .

They walked with the Receiver to the entrance-way. She embraced the pair, after which they uttered their most profound appreciation. When the three reached the lodging’s entrance gate, the Receiver gave them each a small, flat, round device, and said to make any request by simply asking the device. Finally, she assured them a Companion would be available all night adding, “and of course your Guardians are always only a thought away.”

  .

When they returned to the relatives inside their lovely lodging, now comfortably conversing with each other, Saro interrupted, holding up his device and asking, “Is this a ‘harp of God?’”

  .

Will stood and proclaimed loudly, “It’s official Saro, you two are now morontia creatures!” Everyone applauded and Will proceeded to show them just a few of the rudimentary functions of this amazing but innocuous appearing device.

  .

“Depict Jerusem’s main temple,” said Will to his harp. Instantly a three dimensional image appeared before them. They froze and marveled at it as Will caused the image to rotate. All the sights and sounds coming from it were crystal sharp. “Show the main floor of the Jerusem communication center.” The image changed to an astonishing array of visual displays, chart boards, and moving images.

  .

“Is that a recording?” Saro asked.

  .

“No. It’s that easy to watch a live view of events and beings on another world,” Will told them. The pair was shown other astonishing sights until they could watch no more. It was too overwhelming, so many beings of differing hues and morontia forms to fill their minds, plus endless architecture of breath-taking, artistic excellence. Will showed them one more place, the central temple on Mansion two. They watched as temple goers moved about the remarkably intricate, be-gemmed and be-jeweled structure. It fairly glowed with light they were certain no human eye could discern.

  .

“Have you been there, in person?” asked Kala.

  .

“We have, and went there often,” said her grandmother, “before we advanced to mansion three,”

  .

Her grandfather added, “Kala, what you will see between here and Jerusem will push back every imaginable limit you have of the possibilities of creative expression. Enjoy each and every minute to the utmost. You both will easily fit in here. It’s so good to see you again, and to speak English again! It’s been awhile. We almost didn’t make it in time for your resurrection, so sudden was your graduation off Urantia.”

  .

“Sudden as a bolt of lightening,” joked Will.

  .

“Where do you live, mom and dad?” asked Kala’s of her parents.

  .

“Mansion two,” they answered together. “So GOOD to have you here, Kala, Saro,” said her mother. “Both your brothers are still sleeping, Kala.”

  .

“I was wondering,” replied Kala. “And you Joy?”

  .

“Also Mansion two. You are going to love life here, it was made for ones like you.”

  .

“Mansion two is my cloud also,” said Will.

  .

The day was long but they didn’t tire of chatting, reminiscing, and laughing, especially when piecing together family stories of lessons learned from easy and hard times on Urantia. More and more memories of their former life were coalescing in their morontia minds as the conversations shifted back and forth, from that life to this one. Of course Saro and Kala asked many questions about mansonia life, but not nearly enough. There was so very much to learn, do and see. On they communed until the sky became dusky, and the first stars of an unfamiliar night sky were seen through the pair’s new eyes.

  .

Kala’s father walked over to a service counter, touched a small panel twice, and out came a tray of beautiful golden goblets filled with liquid. “Time to toast our new arrivals,” he declared, and passed the tray around. They both were still having trouble adjusting to how young everyone appeared. But it did seem to lessen any distance between the generations.

  .

Holding up his goblet, her father said in a most charming manner, “Kala and Saro, welcome to Mansonia.”

  .

“Welcome!” they all said in excellent harmony.

  .

“What is it?” Kala asked her father.

  .

“Time for your first taste of mansion world water, daughter.”

  .

They were all waiting and watching. Kala remarked, “Funny, we hadn’t thought of drink or food until now.” She and Saro looked at one another and made a lovely resonate sound by clinking their goblets together. Everyone held them high, then took a sip.

 .

“That is tasty,” said Saro, “it’s very pure, isn’t it?” Kala took another drink, a big one. Saro followed suit. Then they both drank it all to the cheers of the group. It was very satisfying. They asked for another, then a third cup. If water tastes this good to their morontia palate, how good will mansion world food taste? But they were feeling no hunger at this point, none at all.

  .

The Pilgrim Receiver had arranged for their relatives to stay at an adjacent lodging, in order that Saro and Kala could be alone that night. When it was time to leave, each one congratulated the pair face to face. They exchanged words of familial love, and feelings of genuine joy over this mansion world reunion.

  .

Kala and Saro fondly embraced each one before departing. The oneness of their spirits with these charming people imprinted deeply on the pair. For a moment Kala contemplated the stupendous possibilities and limitless potentials for personal contact with a whole universe of friendly beings across eternity.

 .

***

Richard E Warren

[Richard E Warren]

CHAPTER 4 – First Morning, Call to Service

.

After bidding their guests good night at the front gate, Saro and Kala turned and walked toward their new residence. They moved quietly, arm in arm, stopping, observing, simply breathing the magnificent air. Their new bodies were exquisitely healthy, and marvelously sensitive, surprisingly strong and responsive. They certainly weren’t tired or needing rest.

.

Looking up at the moonless sky, with faint light from several nearby suns, evoked a kind of joy they hadn’t felt before. They kissed under those stars for the first time.

.

“Well, seems we are no longer married,” said Saro.

 

“I was wondering about that. Think we will be separated?”

 

They entered the cottage, turned off the interior lighting, and laid down for the first time. On their backs, staring up at the stars from their ample and divinely comfortable bed, Kala wondered aloud, “What direction is Paradise?”

 

“What do you think happens to the water we drank?” asked Saro. They laughed at the vast difference between their questions.

 

“These bodies are amazing, aren’t they! Maybe water is evaporated through our morontia skin.” Kala pinched Saro’s left arm, “take off your wrap.” she said.

 

“Take off yours.” They stood up, removed their garments, and looked each other over.

 

“No genitals, no anuses,” Saro noted. “But you still have your female form.”

 

“And you are still wedge shaped. And I like your hair.” They ran their fingers through each others’ short manes.

 

“Your morontia hair is beautiful and lush”, said Saro.

 

“Yours too!”

 

“Hair style appears to be optional here. You noticed we newborns all have the same color and length hair? But our relatives have different colors and lengths,” said Saro.

 

“Apparently it’s a choice. Everyone starts out with this.”

 

They lay down again and observed the stars for long while. Then Saro began massaging Kala. She did the same for him, something they had always done for each other while in human bodies. It was unhurried and especially pleasurable.

 

“The feelings and senses I get from this body, so far, I like very much,” mumbled Saro as Kala massaged his new shoulders.

 

“And this is just the first of 570 body versions. Remember that from the book?” asked Kala.

 

“I do. Aren’t there eight moronita versions or phases provided on Mansonia, seventy-one at the constellation level, and 491 more between Edentia and Salvington?”

 

“That’s right…as I remember,” replied Kala. They were both now recalling much from the Urantia Book text. It was the teachings of this book she had embraced as a child, thanks to her parents, a book Kala and Saro studied and talked about many, many times while traipsing around Urantia, disseminating its text and its teachings for over 50 years.

 

“Let’s take a walk, Saro.”

 

This time they exited from the lodging’s back gate. It was dark out, but they had no trouble seeing under the starry sky, morontia night vision being excellent. They discovered the heavenly little park behind their abode, with crisscrossing paths and perfectly formed shrubs, beautiful statuary, an array of trees great and small spread throughout, and a broad variety of lovely flowering shrubs and plants.

 

Along the paths were low walls with embedded plaques bearing inscriptions. All were in languages they didn’t recognize. Stopping at one, Kala reached out to touch it. Instantly the script translated to English. They looked at each other, smiled, and said, “Should have known!”

 

Saro read it, “‘Human things must be known in order to be loved, but divine things must be loved in order to be known.’ Blaise Pascal, Urantia.’” (102:1.1)

 

Saro recalled, “That quote’s in the Urantia Book. Wonder who else in Urantia’s history resided in this place?” They noticed another inscription across the path. He touched it.

 

“This inscription is by someone from Anova, the System’s oldest inhabited world. It states this being was the first to reside on Mansion one.”

 

They lost track of time, wandering through the park, sometimes stopping and simply taking the beauty in, sometimes sitting quietly watching their passing thoughts and filing away questions. The urge to worship arrested their attention several times that night. It felt good to indulge the urge whenever, wherever they were. At times Michael’s and Mother’s spirits felt closer, then God’s. Passersby completely understood, because they too indulged the urge. Apparently it is universal in the humble, grateful, newly resurrected children of God.

 

As the pair watched their first dawn appear from atop a charming, three tiered gazebo at the park’s center, morontia animals began skittering to and fro. Colorful birds with long feathers flew, chirped, and sang. It was an unforgettable experience, combined as it was, with the growing realization of the implications of life eternal, everlasting friendship with the Universal Father, serving forever in the great cosmic family whose innumerable worlds are indeed ‘cities of God.’

 

“Guess we’d better return,” whispered Kala in Saro’s ear.

 

“No.”

 

She laughed. “Let’s go, you bum. Aren’t you curious what the Receiver wants us for this morning?”

 

“I miss the kids. It could be a long time before we meet again. We may have to wait for a millennial, or even a dispensational resurrection.” Saro said thoughtfully.

 

The short walk back to their lodging was with few words. About now the ambiance of this place was becoming evident to them; here is love, fearlessness, progress, spiritual joy and God’s peace.

 

“No war, no weather, no wind,” mused Kala.

 

“I feel wind just a bit once in while,” said Saro. “There has to be some atmospheric movement…but the temperature here is just right, isn’t it?”

 

The Receiver hadn’t yet arrived, and the twilight sky was irresistibly appealing, so they sat for a moment facing each other, on a low, round, sculptured seat that was soft, but shone like polished gold. They gazed over each other’s head at the gradually dawning sky of their first full day on this paradisiacal world.

 

Before long the Receiver arrived at their cottage and called out. Meeting at its front entrance, Saro invited her in saying, “You are a beautiful creature, more beautiful than yesterday.”

 

The Receiver smiled and thanked him. “Ready to go to work?” she asked.

 

The pair stood silent a brief moment, then simultaneously replied “Yes!”

 

“Your help is needed, but certainly not required. There were several Urantian Anglophones in your resurrection group, but none have ever been exposed to the teachings of the Urantia Book. For some resurrection can be a bit of shock to the soul. We were hoping you two would volunteer for a short period this morning, before your ceremonial welcome, and briefly convey your understanding of where they are, how they came to be here, and where they are going. Then answer questions that most assuredly will be asked. We have found that hearing the facts from one of their own sometimes helps ease the impact of transition. You are in no way obligated, of course.”

 

Kala and Saro immediately let her know they would be delighted to be of service in this way. They then asked about the welcome ceremony and were told it would begin this morning in the Banquet Hall, adjacent to Resurrection Hall.

 

“Please meet me at the hall mid-morning, at the same chamber where you resurrected. I will have the group gathered there,” the Receiver said. “Between now and then, you may wish to study a chart of the being-types to be encountered on M1. And a tutorial about your new bodies might also interest you. Your harps will connect you to our central library and all archives.”

 

“How will we know it’s time to meet you?” asked Saro.

 

“Your harps monitor the local time beacon. And I will alert you. Is there anything else you need?”

 

“No, nothing,” answered Kala. Saro shook his head no.

 

“Thanks very much to you both. The meeting will be short. Afterwards, we will attend your formal welcoming, from representatives of your creator parents, among others. And from two of your long ago predecessors, the first souls to graduate from Urantia.”

 

They thought for a split second, “Andon and Fonta!”

 

When Saro and Kala arrived at Resurrection Hall on this first morning of their first full day on M1, the Receiver led the group to a relatively quiet, semi-enclosed area where they could be seated. There she introduced the group of nineteen somewhat mystified souls (along with their assigned Receivers) to the pair. She informed them that Kala and Saro were fellow ex-Urantians who speak their language.

 

The Receiver went on to say, “Speaking for the Companion Corps of Mansonia 1, we hope you all enjoyed the first night on our world–now your world. Your Pilgrim Receivers deliberately put off your less pressing questions until this morning, in order that you might acclimate overnight and somewhat absorb yesterday’s experience before receiving instruction from one of your peers this morning.

 

“You have all been informed Urantia is the name of the world from which you ascended?” All affirmed it.

 

“The mansion worlds became known on Urantia through celestial agencies present on every evolving planet, by their contact with certain men and women, like Paul of Tarsus, and John Zebedee who was an apostle of the one you may know as Jesus, who sojourned on Urantia well before you incarnated. Some of you may be recalling those teachings, teachings that were expanded upon in a little known revelatory text that Kala and Saro found early in life.

 

“In this Urantia Book, which was given to your former world as an epochal revelation, there is a detailed description of the seven worlds to which you have ascended. Some of you have a better idea than others about what has happened to you, because your soul was touched by Michael’s Spirit of Truth that now hovers over Urantia. The name of the planet you died on is Urantia. The sphere on which you now reside is Mansion One. M1 is not made of cooling star matter like Urantia, it was built, constructed for just such a purpose as it now serves. Soul nurseries like Urantia provide ascending souls to the Mansion worlds, where your journey to God continues.”

 

The Receiver stepped back and asked Kala and Saro to give their history with the revelatory text discovered while on Uranita, and its effect on them.

 

Kala related how her parents had discovered the Urantia Book and introduced it to her, adding, “Saro and I knew each other since childhood, but we didn’t become good friends until college. I talked with him about my life-long interest in the information and teachings in the book. Almost immediately he embraced it just as I had. After school we married and spent the remainder of our lives studying and spreading its teachings, along with our work of course. We were musicians and teachers of music. We are also parents of three who are still on Urantia.”

 

Saro added, “This book that we so treasured, and couldn’t stop studying, painted a million word picture of the universe with a God of love at its center. A universe with God’s descending offspring functioning as co-creators whose work it is to seed the cosmos with a broad diversity of ascending life. There are not only billions of inhabited planets like Urantia, there are billions of galaxies that have billions of stars whose planets will sooner or later bear life–life of inconceivable diversity and potential! Every part of Our Father’s vast universe is under the supervision of an order of beings. Even your inner life has God at its center,” he explained passionately.

 

They had both done this very thing many times on Urantia–introducing the teachings of the Urantia Book to small groups. Flashing in their minds were memories of hundreds of presentations given to a wide variety of humans during their former lives.

 

Saro continued, “When mortals die, they can be resurrected on another and better world–like this one. We have been reassembled in a new body/mind with our soul values intact, our original personality, and the very same fragment of God that indwelled us on Urantia. This is what has happened to all of us.

 

“We learned back on Earth–and you now know its true name is Urantia–of the existence of the seven mansion worlds through the Urantia Book’s revelations. We were taught–and we rightly believed!—that resurrected mortals take up life in a new body, and will gradually pass through all seven Mansion worlds on the way to achieving perfection and sometime be embraced by God on Paradise. We’re in different bodies now, aren’t we? So this has to be true.”

 

Kala then added, “We all take origin in a ‘local universe’ whose co-creators are always a Michael Son and a Divine Minister. There are hundreds of thousands of local universes in the vast ring of galaxies that encircle Paradise, God’s home. Our Michael bestowed himself seven times across this universe, called Nebadon. He bestowed himself, in native form, from the highest to the lowest levels of our local universe. He even incarnated on Urantia, as Jesus, the last of his seven self-bestowals. The Divine Minister is his equal in creation, but they each have unique functions and roles.”

 

Most of their nineteen hearers were stunned by all of this, but they couldn’t deny they woke up in a better place with young healthy bodies, and with beings who seemed to be in charge and know perfectly well what is transpiring on this magical world. They especially liked hearing about these things from their obviously knowledgeable peers, Kala and Saro.

 

The group was attentive to their every word, but not grasping all that the Receiver and the pair were trying to convey. Kala and Saro continued offering revelatory details and personal insights, with the Receiver intervening as needed, explaining and reviewing that Nebadon is a creation of Michael and his mate, the Divine Minister of Nebadon. That this divine pair will eventually co-create ten million worlds with a vast and unique variety of mortal life forms to inhabit them. And that the co-creators of Nebadon are also children of the God of All Creation, now serving faithfully in the domains of time and space.

 

Then began a series of questions and answers. Some Kala or Saro answered, some the Receiver. This group of nineteen survivors was intensely curious, therefore good students. They had come from a variety of religious traditions of Urantia, but without exception all were happy to be alive and in this peaceful place of amazing beauty and divine appointment. None complained in the least. They were very interested in knowing more about Michael and the Divine Minister, especially the relation of Michael to Jesus. And they were informed of the greetings from ambassadors of the father and mother of Nebadon at the banquet reception they were so soon to enjoy.

 

Even though the nineteen Urantia survivors had more questions for Saro and Kala, the Receiver ended the meeting in order that they not be late for the reception’s beginning. As the group strolled toward Banquet Hall, more questions were asked and answered.

 

***

Richard E Warren

[Author]

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