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What Is the Council in Heaven?

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The Council in Heaven is the eternal, organized body of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost that governs the universe and prepares the world for the Second Coming.

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The Council in Heaven is the eternal, organized body of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost that governs the universe and prepares the world for the Second Coming 1. It is not a temporary or temporary-like assembly but a permanent structure of divine governance, established before the world was created 2. This heavenly council is responsible for the Great Plan, which includes the atonement, the resurrection, and the opportunity for eternal progression 1. Its decisions shape both the spirit world and the world of men, carrying eternal consequences for all living beings 3.

The doctrine of the Council in Heaven is deeply rooted in both ancient prophecy and modern revelation 4. Ancient scripture hints at the existence of a heavenly gathering, while modern revelation, particularly in the Doctrine and Covenants, provides explicit details about its structure and purpose 43. These texts teach that the Council in Heaven serves as the final decision-making body for all spiritual matters 4. Through shared revelation and collective counsel, the Council guides the progression of all beings toward their ultimate destiny 3.

Modern prophets and apostles have consistently emphasized the relevance of the Council in Heaven to daily life 5. They teach that even the most personal aspects of our existence are woven into the broader heavenly plan 5. This understanding helps Latter-day Saints see their daily actions as part of a larger, divinely orchestrated process 6. By believing in the Council in Heaven, Saints are reminded that God is actively involved in their lives and that their roles are significant within the Great Plan 7.

The Council in Heaven: A Heavenly Governing Body

The Council in Heaven is the eternal, organized body of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost that governs the universe and prepares the world for the Second Coming. It is not a temporary assembly but a permanent structure of divine authority, established by the Father to administer the universe and guide the Church on earth. This heavenly governing body operates through the principle of united counsel, where decisions are made collectively and binding, reflecting the highest level of divine authority. As stated in scripture, “The standing high councils, at the stakes of Zion, form a quorum equal in authority in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the quorum of the presidency, or to the traveling high council” 8. This equality of authority underscores that the Council in Heaven is the supreme decision-making body, with no higher court or final appeal beyond its decrees 4.

The Council in Heaven is also deeply connected to the premortal existence, where the plan of salvation was presented and approved. Elder Boyd K. Packer explained, “In the great council in heaven, God’s plan was presented: the plan of salvation, the plan of redemption, the great plan of happiness” 9. This council established the framework for mortality, including the necessity of a proving ground for spirit children to exercise free agency. Elder Dallin H. Oaks emphasized the centrality of agency in this process, noting, “Satan’s plan, presented in the premortal existence, would have taken away our free agency” 10. Thus, the Council in Heaven is not only a governing body but also the originator of the Great Plan, which includes the atonement, resurrection, and the opportunity for eternal progression 1. Its decisions have eternal consequences, shaping both the spirit world and the world of men.

Scriptural Foundations: Ancient and Modern Revelations

The doctrine of the Council in Heaven is rooted in both ancient prophecy and modern revelation, with scripture providing a clear picture of its structure and purpose. In the Book of Mormon, Abraham records the proceedings of the grand council where the Father’s plan for man’s eternal progression was presented 11. Jesus volunteered to make the atonement, and this plan was chosen over Satan’s, which would have taken away free agency 12. The Council in Heaven thus originated the Great Plan, including its mortal consequences, trials, and heavenly helps 1. Modern revelation expands on this foundation. Doctrine and Covenants 107:33 reveals that “The Twelve are a Traveling Presiding High Council, to officiate in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Presidency of the Church, agreeable to the institution of heaven” 13. This establishes the earthly council as a continuation of the heavenly pattern, maintaining alignment with the divine order.

Heavenly Father has established councils as an important part of receiving inspiration, making decisions, and accomplishing His work 2. These councils existed before the world was created, and each spirit child participated in them 2. Following this pattern, the Church is governed by councils at every level, from the First Presidency to stake and ward councils 2. The standing high councils in Zion form a quorum equal in authority to the presidency, reflecting the heavenly model of shared governance 8. After the highest council makes a decision, it is had in remembrance no more, because it is a final decision upon controversies in spiritual matters 4. Thus, the Council in Heaven operates as the eternal, organized body of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, shaping both the spirit world and the world of men through shared revelation and collective counsel 3.

Teachings of Modern Prophets and Apostles on the Council

Modern prophets and apostles teach that the Council in Heaven is not a distant assembly but the active, eternal governance of the universe, continuously informing how the Church operates on earth. Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, explains that the Church’s current councils mirror heavenly patterns, noting that “These same patterns are followed today in the restored Church of Jesus Christ. The President of the Church may announce or interpret doctrines based on revelation to him (see, for example, D&C 138). Doctrinal exposition may also come through the combined council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (see, for example, Official Declaration 2). Council deliberations will often include a weighing of canonized scriptures, the teachings of Church leaders, and past practice. But in the end, just as in the New Testament Church, the objective is not simply consensus among council members but revelation from God. It is a process involving both reason and faith for obtaining the mind and will of the Lord.” 14 This shows that councils are not merely administrative; they are channels through which divine direction flows into the lives of saints today.

The Council in Heaven also establishes the foundation for every calling and mission, even those that begin long before we are born. Elder David B. Haight, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, shares that “The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was.” The Prophet Joseph continued, “I suppose I was ordained to this very office in that Grand Council” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938], p. 365).” 5 This means that even our most personal roles and purposes are woven into a heavenly plan, confirming that the Council in Heaven is intimately involved in the details of each person’s journey.

Historical Development of the Doctrine in Church Teaching

Early Church teaching centered the Council in Heaven as the eternal forum where God’s children participated in divine planning. Joseph Smith taught that every person with a calling to minister was ordained to that purpose in the Grand Council before the world was created, and he believed himself ordained to his earthly office there as well 15. This premortal involvement grounded the doctrine in the idea that human beings are not afterthoughts but active participants in the divine plan. President N. Eldon Tanner described how the Council in Heaven was the place where the two plans for man’s salvation were presented: Christ’s plan was approved and he was chosen as the Savior, while Satan’s plan was rejected 12. Elder Quentin L. Cook emphasized that the plan of salvation was not only discussed but sustained in that heavenly gathering, and that it included the overarching principle of agency 3. These early teachings established the Council in Heaven as the foundational meeting where God’s children were introduced to the mortal plan and made covenants about their future roles.

As the restored Church grew, leaders expanded the doctrine’s scope to include the ongoing role of councils in earthly governance. The Church manual teaches that Heavenly Father has established councils as an important part of receiving inspiration, making decisions, and accomplishing His work, noting that councils existed before the world was created and that each of us participated in them 2. This continuity between heavenly and earthly councils reinforced the belief that the Council in Heaven is not a distant event but a pattern that continues to shape how the Church operates. Elder Russell M. Nelson described the Council in Heaven as a gathering where all of us participated and where the Heavenly Father announced His plan, which is referred to by many names including the plan of happiness and the plan of salvation 16. President Dallin H. Oaks explained that in the Council in Heaven, all spirit children were introduced to the Father’s plan, including its trials, heavenly helps, and glorious destiny, and that we saw the end from the beginning 1. These teachings show how the doctrine has evolved from a historical event to a living principle that informs how Latter-day Saints understand their roles in God’s ongoing work.

Connections to Other Doctrines: Priesthood, Agency, and the Great Plan

The Council in Heaven is not an isolated event but the foundational meeting where the priesthood, human agency, and the Great Plan were woven together into a single divine framework. The priesthood, as the highest divine office, was first organized in the heavens before the world existed. Elder Quentin L. Cook explained that the Council in Heaven included “certain laws and ordinances of the priesthood instituted before the foundation of the world and predicated upon the gathering” 3. These ordinances were designed to prepare the world for the Savior’s atonement and to provide a structure through which spiritual progress could occur. Because the priesthood was established in the Council, it remains the eternal mechanism for God’s work in the world.

Agency, the sacred ability to choose between good and evil, was also preserved and tested in the Council. Elder Robert D. Hales taught that “men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil,” and this instruction began in the heavens 17. There, in a Grand Council, God gave us the opportunity to prove our willingness to keep His commandments in mortality. Elder Dallin H. Oaks emphasized that we “had free agency in the premortal existence,” which is evident from the fact that more than one plan was presented and that many chose to follow Satan 10. This testing of agency was central to the Great Plan, which Elder Russell M. Nelson described as the “plan of happiness, the plan of salvation, the plan of redemption, the plan of restoration, the plan of mercy, the plan of deliverance, and the everlasting gospel” 7. In the Council, we saw how all these doctrines—priesthood, agency, and the Great Plan—work together to enable our exaltation.

Common Misunderstandings: What the Council Is Not

Many people mistakenly equate the Council in Heaven with earthly councils or human committees, overlooking its eternal and divine nature. The Council in Heaven is not a temporary meeting but an ongoing, divine governance that spans all time. As Elder Quentin L. Cook, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, explained, “During the Council in Heaven in the premortal existence, the plan of salvation was discussed and sustained. It included certain laws and ordinances of the priesthood instituted before the foundation of the world and predicated upon the gathering. It also included the overriding principle of agency” 3. This council is not separate from God’s work on earth; rather, it is the source of all divine direction. As President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, taught, “In the Council in Heaven, all the spirit children of God were introduced to the Father’s plan, including its mortal consequences and trials, its heavenly helps, and its glorious destiny. We saw the end from the beginning” 1.

Another common misunderstanding is that the Council in Heaven implies God is distant from earthly affairs. In reality, the Council is deeply involved in every aspect of human life. Elder Marion G. Romney, of the Council of the Twelve, clarified that “Abraham’s account of the great pre-earth heavenly council identifies both God and Satan as participators in that council” 18. This shows that the Council is not a detached deliberation but a dynamic space where divine plans are shaped and executed. Moreover, the Church’s councils on earth mirror the heavenly model, as outlined in the Church manual: “Heavenly Father has established councils as an important part of receiving inspiration, making decisions, and accomplishing His work. Councils existed before the world was created. Each of us participated in these councils before coming to earth” 2. Thus, the Council in Heaven is not separate from our daily lives but the foundation of our understanding of God’s ongoing care and direction.

Practical Implications: How the Doctrine Shapes Daily Life

Belief in the Council in Heaven reshapes how Latter-day Saints understand their own identity and purpose. Because every spirit child participated in that heavenly gathering, our earthly lives are not accidental but intentionally designed. Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained, “In the Council in Heaven, all the spirit children of God were introduced to the Father’s plan, including its mortal consequences and trials, its heavenly helps, and its glorious destiny. We saw the end from the beginning” 1. This knowledge grounds hope: the trials we face are part of a known, loving plan, and our choices carry eternal weight. Elder Boyd K. Packer clarified, “In the great council in heaven, God’s plan was presented: the plan of salvation, the plan of redemption, the great plan of happiness. The plan provides for a proving; all must choose between good and evil” 9. Recognizing that agency is central to the divine design, believers approach daily decisions as opportunities to align with the plan of happiness.

This doctrine also transforms how Saints view service and suffering. Since every calling originates from that original heavenly ordination, ordinary work becomes sacred participation in God’s work. Elder David B. Haight recalled, “The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, ‘Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was.’ The Prophet Joseph continued, ‘I suppose I was ordained to this very office in that Grand Council’” 5. Because the Council in Heaven established the pattern of priesthood ordinances and covenants, Earthly councils and family meetings reflect that same principle. Elder M. Russell Ballard noted, “I believe councils are the most effective way to get real results. Additionally, I know councils are the Lord’s way and that He created all things in the universe through a heavenly council” 6. In practice, this means Saints approach prayer, teaching, and community service not as isolated acts but as links in a chain that stretches from the spirit world to eternity.

For those who wish to deepen their study of the Council in Heaven, several scriptures, talks, and manual chapters provide clear, authoritative direction. Doctrine and Covenants 107:33 establishes that “The Twelve are a Traveling Presiding High Council, to officiate in the name of the Lord, under the direction of the Presidency of the Church, agreeable to the institution of heaven” 13, grounding the earthly structure of the Church directly in heavenly precedent. This same principle is echoed in manual guidance, which explains that “Heavenly Father has established councils as an important part of receiving inspiration, making decisions, and accomplishing His work. Councils existed before the world was created. Each of us participated in these councils before coming to earth” 2. Reading these passages together helps Saints see how heavenly governance and earthly leadership are one continuous pattern.

Modern prophets have repeatedly emphasized that understanding the Council in Heaven shapes how Saints view their own lives and responsibilities. President Dallin H. Oaks noted that “In the Council in Heaven, all the spirit children of God were introduced to the Father’s plan, including its mortal consequences and trials, its heavenly helps, and its glorious destiny” 1, showing that the heavenly council was the origin of our knowledge of the plan. Elder Quentin L. Cook clarified that “During the Council in Heaven in the premortal existence, the plan of salvation was discussed and sustained. It included certain laws and ordinances of the priesthood instituted before the foundation of the world and predicated upon the gathering. It also included the overriding principle of agency” 3, highlighting the theological depth of what was decided. For practical guidance on how councils function today, the Church manual’s section on leadership explains how “councils provide opportunities for council members to receive revelation as they seek to understand the needs of God’s children and plan how to help meet them” 2. These resources together offer a clear path for continued study.

Footnotes

  1. Oaks, Dallin H. (2020-04-01). "The Great Plan". ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8

  2. "4. Leadership and Councils in the Church of Jesus Christ". The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8

  3. Cook, Quentin L. (2023-04-01). "Safely Gathered Home". ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8

  4. Doctrine and Covenants 107:80. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  5. Haight, David B. (1995-04-01). "Sustaining a New Prophet". ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  6. Ballard, M. Russell (2016-04-01). "Family Councils". ↩ ↩2

  7. Nelson, Russell M. (2000-04-01). "The Creation". ↩ ↩2

  8. Doctrine and Covenants 107:36. ↩ ↩2

  9. Packer, Boyd K. (1993-10-01). "For Time and All Eternity". ↩ ↩2

  10. Oaks, Dallin H. (1987-10-11). "Free Agency and Freedom". ↩ ↩2

  11. Romney, Marion G. (1973-10-01). "Jesus Christ, Our Redeemer". ↩

  12. Tanner, N. Eldon (1971-10-01). "“Where Art Thou?”". ↩ ↩2

  13. Doctrine and Covenants 107:33. ↩ ↩2

  14. Christofferson, D. Todd (2012-04-01). "The Doctrine of Christ". ↩

  15. Reeve, Rex C. (1985-10-01). "Joseph Smith, the Chosen Instrument". ↩

  16. Nelson, Russell M. (1993-10-01). "Constancy amid Change". ↩

  17. Hales, Robert D. (2006-04-01). "To Act for Ourselves: The Gift and Blessings of Agency". ↩

  18. Romney, Marion G. (1971-04-01). "Satan—The Great Deceiver". ↩