Reflection
The scriptures speak of a glorious destiny for the faithful, a place prepared for those who have loved and served God and their fellow beings. It is a state of eternal progression, where light and truth abound, and the soul is brought back into the presence of the divine to dwell in unending joy. This is the reward for those who have chosen righteousness and have been cleansed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
For those who have turned away from light, who have hardened their hearts and refused the grace offered, there is a consequence. This is not a place of eternal torment for all, but rather a separation from the full presence of God, a state of spiritual darkness and sorrow, where the soul suffers the just effects of its choices. Yet, even in this state, the scriptures offer hope for eventual redemption and a return to light, for God's mercy is infinite.
Passages
"For my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." — Moses 1:39 · Pearl of Great Price
"And he shall smite the wicked and he shall smite them with his great power; and they shall be cast out. And he shall smite them with the sword, and with wrath, and with anger, and with a terrible tempest, and with the whirlwind, and with the vapor of smoke. And he shall consume them with fire, as the flame consumeth the stubble which groweth in the field." — 1 Nephi 22:14 · Book of Mormon
"And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came forth out of the graves, and after that he was risen from the dead, they went in unto the holy city, and appeared unto many." — Matthew 27:52-53 · Joseph Smith—Matthew
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." — Revelation 20:12 · Book of Mormon (paraphrased)
A Question for You
How does the hope of eternal life shape your perspective on your actions today?