Options for our Final State

King Benjamin talks to his people in a meeting of so many people that not all can hear his voice, so they have to write down his words and take it around to people. He speaks about service, and how we should be diligently serving others. Then, he gives some descriptions of what our experience will be like after this life.

"Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever." (Mosiah 2: 38)

This to me is probably the best description of Hell that I can think of. The scriptures talk about an everlasting burning, which conjures up in the mind actual suffering by fire. This, I think, is not accurate. I like King Benjamin's description, because it fits with God's plan. We have been taught that where we end up after this life, whether it be the Celestial Kingdom, the Terrestrial Kingdom, or the Telestial Kingdom, we will be in a kingdom of glory. I don't think that the image of Hell portrayed by everlasting actual burning flame equates with the description of "kingdom of glory". However, I will say that I can totally understand how we might have a grave sense of our inadequacies and shortcomings in this life, so by being given a Kingdom of Glory, we feel undeserving and guilty, almost AS IF there were a flame inside of us, consuming us.

"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." (Mosiah 2:41)

This, however, sounds fantastic! Dwelling with God in a never-ending happiness? Sign me up! All you have to do to get there, as it says in the verse, is to keep the commandments, and we'll be blessed.

This resonates with me. I hope to do more of my part to be able to dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. That is my goal, and my desire. I just hope I can get there. I know the path there exists, I just need to take my journey. Having a goal and a direction always helps, especially if it helps you make good decisions along the way.