Spirit Prison: Temporary place for deceased non-Mormons who are waiting for vicarious temple work to be done on their behalf by living Mormons. They are then released from spirit prison into paradise to await the resurrection.

According to one church manual, “The Apostle Peter referred to the postmortal spirit world as a prison, which it is for some (see 1 Peter 3:18-20). In the spirit prison are the spirits of those who have not yet received the gospel of Jesus Christ. These spirits have agency and may be enticed by both good and evil. If they accept the gospel and the ordinances performed for them in the temples, they may leave the spirit prison and dwell in paradise” (Gospel Principles, 2009, p. 244).

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