Three Kingdoms of Heaven Just Makes Sense

I was just thinking about a talk I had with my mother about what people in our church believe. She didn't understand the whole "kingdoms of heaven" thing, so I tried to explain it to her. After I basically gave this description, she gave me a surprising response.

"Okay, so for example - there are three women - one is Baptist, one is Muslim, and one is Buddihst. They all live their lives spiritually, are charitable, and shining examples of great women. According to most Christian religions, the Buddhist and Muslim would go to Hell for not being "saved" and accepting Jesus as their Savior. However, we believe that every one of these women can go to heaven. When everyone, and I mean everyone, dies they go to the Spirit World. This is a place where those who have never heard or never accepted the gospel can hear it from those who have. Then Jesus Christ comes and shares the gospel with you in person, and if you accept it with your whole heart, you can get into Heaven. However, Heaven isn't a free for all. Murderers, rapists, adulterers, etc... aren't going to the same place as say, you or I would. That just isn't, well....fair! God thinks in gray areas. He will place us according to our works. Why would he look upon a person who was misguided on Earth and committed many horrible sins the same way he would look at someone who lived their lives fully in the gospel? Why is it fair for people to be sinful up until they are on their deathbed repenting? It isn't. God is merciful, and he is also just.

So, there are three levels of Heaven, and each is more filled with glory than the next. Jesus said: "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2). Paul tells about being "caught up to the third heaven," where he heard unspeakable words (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). He then describes three degrees of glory in 1 Corinthians 15:39-42 and spoke about the various levels of resurrected beings who would inherit them."

My mom just looked at me and said, "You know, I always believed in something like that. I always thought God would give everyone a second chance, even after death. I always thought that it's good to do good works, even though we are saved by grace. Where do I sign up?"