When should I talk to the missionaries about Outer Darkness?

One of the most sobering truths we share with missionaries is this: according to God’s word, the penalty for sin is eternal separation from God.

But when is the right time to say that?

A good rule of thumb is to bring up the topic of outer darkness within the first two or three visits, once a relationship is beginning to form. Waiting too long can backfire. Missionaries are frequently transferred to new areas. If you delay, they may be gone before you ever get the chance to explain the seriousness of sin or the urgency of the solution in Christ.

At the same time, we don’t want to lead with this topic. The goal is to create trust and open doors. But if we never talk about eternal consequences, they won’t see the weight of their problem or their desperate need for rescue.

Mormonism softens sin’s consequences by teaching that nearly everyone ends up in one of three heavenly kingdoms. LDS missionaries rarely worry about going to hell themselves, because the closest thing to hell, outer darkness, is taught to be reserved for only a few apostates.

But according to God’s word:

“Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”

Galatians 3:10

That includes everyone who sins even once. The problem isn’t that we make mistakes. The problem is that we fall short of God’s perfect standard, and the result is judgment.

In love, Christians must speak up, not with a spirit of anger, but with tears in our eyes. Think of a doctor warning a patient about cancer. It’s not cruelty—it’s compassion, especially when a cure is readily available.

That’s our calling, too. Outer darkness is terrifying—but Jesus endured it in our place.

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Matthew 27:46

He bore the curse so we could be free.

So don’t wait forever. Pray for wisdom. Be gentle. Be clear. And speak up because the most loving thing we can do is warn them before it’s too late.