Objective:

In this week’s discussion we will explore the mystery of Netzach (Eternity). Much of the mystery of Eternity was covered in last week’s discussion, but since it also included others, I wanted to explore it with own dedicated passage.

Beads:

Section 6, the seventh bead:

The Mystery of the Eternal Inheritance: To sit as sons and daughters of Ha’Elohim and El Olam, Having his Name written upon our hearts, and having been transformed from our fallen state to a state of righteousness.

Passages to Ponder

Mosiah 11:185-199 [27:23-31]

11:185 [27:23]. ¶ And it came to pass after they had fasted and prayed for the space of two days and two nights, the limbs of Alma received their strength, and he stood up and began to speak unto them, bidding them to be of good comfort.

11:186 [27:24]. For, said he, I have repented of my sins and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold, I am born of the Spirit.

11:187 [27:25a]. And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind; yea, men, and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, must be born again;

11:188a [27:25b]. Yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;

11:188b [27:26]. And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in no wise inherit the kingdom of God.

11:189 [27:27]. I say unto you: Unless this be the case, they must be cast off; and this I know because I was like to be cast off.

11:190 [27:28]. Nevertheless, after wading through much tribulation, repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning; and I am born of God;

11:191 [27:29a]. My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity.

11:192 [27:29b]. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God.

11:193 [27:29c]. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more.

11:194 [27:30a]. I rejected my Redeemer and denied that which had been spoken of by our fathers;

11:195 [27:30b]. But now that they may foresee that he will come, and that he remembereth every creature of his creating,

11:196a [27:30c]. He will make himself manifest unto all;

11:196b [27:31a]. Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him.

11:197 [27:31b]. Yea, even at the last day, when all men shall stand to be judged of him, then shall they confess that he is God;

11:198 [27:31c]. Then shall they confess, who live without God in the world, that the judgment of an everlasting punishment is just upon them;

11:199 [27:31d]. And they shall quake, and tremble, and shrink beneath the glance of his all-searching eye.

Avahr 35:9-15; D&C 18:1e2-2e [LDS 19:6-12]

9 [18:1e2/19:6]. Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment; but it is written endless torment.

10 [18:2a/19:7]. ¶ Again, it is written eternal damnation: wherefore it is more express than other scriptures, that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men, altogether for my name’s glory.

11 [18:2b/19:8]. Wherefore, I will explain unto you, this mystery, for it is meet unto you to know, even as mine apostles.

12 [18:2c1/19:9]. I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing, even as one, that you may enter into my rest.

13 [18:2c2/19:10a]. For behold, the mystery of Godliness: how great is it?

14 [18:2d1/19:10b]. For behold I am Endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand, is endless punishment, for endless is my name.

15 [18:2d2-2e/19:10c-12]. Wherefore eternal punishment is God’s punishment: endless punishment is God’s punishment.

Questions of Knowledge (What it says at the surface)

• What does it say needs to be done to inherit the kingdom of God as Sons and Daughters?
• Who does it say need to do this?
• How does it say Alma became redeemed of the Lord?

Questions of Wisdom (What it means below the surface)

• What does Alma do as a result of his transformation? (sorry, it’s not in the passage)
• How does the passage from the Doctrine and Covenants change the concept of the Eternal punishments that Alma describes for the wicked?

Questions of Understanding (Likening it to Ourselves)

• In what way(s) have you been transformed by YHVH?
• What are the fruits of that transformation? (can you see any? Are they hidden from you … )

Questions of Mystery (What deeper meaning can be harvested)

• What is redemption? Is it the same as being born again?