In Mormonism, the preexistence (premortal existence) refers to life before birth. Latter-day Saints believe all people lived as literal spirit children of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother, gaining knowledge and preparing for mortality in a premortal realm (Gospel Topics: “Premortal Life”).
A key event in this realm is the “council in heaven,” where Jesus accepted God’s plan of salvation and Lucifer rebelled. Those who supported Jesus were given the opportunity to be born on earth and progress toward exaltation. Many Latter-day Saints also believe that faithfulness in the preexistence influences circumstances in this life.
This teaching emphasizes agency: mortality is seen as a test of whether individuals will choose God’s plan and prove worthy of eternal life.
Biblical Christianity does not teach a premortal existence. Human life begins at conception, not as spirit offspring of heavenly parents (Psalm 139:13–16; Zechariah 12:1). Our hope rests not in past performance, but in the new life given through Christ.
