LDS theology distinguishes between the spirit prison (often called 'hell' in a temporary sense) — where the wicked await judgment and where missionary work is conducted — and 'outer darkness,' the final state of the 'sons of perdition.' The spirit prison is not a permanent destination for most; after the resurrection and judgment, most people will inherit one of the three degrees of glory, even the telestial kingdom (described as a glory that 'surpasses all understanding').

Outer darkness — the final, permanent hell — is reserved only for sons of perdition: those who had a complete, certain knowledge of God and Christ and then fully and willfully rejected them. This is an extremely limited category in LDS theology, making LDS eschatology far more universally optimistic than most of historic Christianity.