Everlasting On the One Hand or On the Other

 1 Nephi 14:5 - 7, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 26

And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, Nephi, saying, Thou hast beheld that if the gentiles repent, it shall be well with them; and thou also knowest concerning the covenants of the Lord unto the house of Israel. And thou also hast heard that whoso repenteth not must perish. Therefore, woe be unto the gentiles if it so be that they harden their hearts against the Lamb of God. For the time cometh, saith the Lamb of God, that I will work a great and a marvelous work among the children of men, a work which shall be everlasting, either on the one hand or on the other, either to the convincing of them unto peace and life eternal, or unto the deliverance of them to the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds, unto their being brought down into captivity and also unto destruction, both temporally and spiritually, according to the captivity of the Devil of which I have spoken.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim, 1 Nefi 3 par. 26

And it came to pass that the angel spoke unto me, Nefi, saying, You have beheld that if the Goyim repent, it shall be well with them; and you also know concerning the covenants of yhwh unto the house of Isra’el. And you also have heard that whoever repents not must perish. Therefore, woe be unto the Goyim if it so be that they harden their hearts against the Lamb of Elohim. For the time comes, says the Lamb of Elohim, that I will work a great and a marvelous work among the children of men, a work which shall be everlasting, either on the one hand or on the other, either to the convincing of them unto shalom and life Eternal, or unto the deliverance of them to the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds, unto their being brought down into captivity and also unto destruction, both temporally and spiritually, according to the captivity of HaSatan of which I have spoken.

With this next part can we look at the word "everlasting"?

Why would the angel use the word "everlasting" as opposed to the word "eternal" for example?

If God translated the Book of Mormon, which we as a small group believe They did, then why did They make sure that the word was "everlasting"?

Doesn't God choose words carefully in order to teach?

As an example please consider the following.

A commandment of God and not of man to you, Martin, given by him who is eternal, yea, even I. I am he, the Beginning and the End, yea, Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord, the Redeemer of the world. I, having accomplished and finished the will of him whose I am, even the Father, having done this that I might subdue all things unto myself, retaining all power, even to the destroying of Satan and his works at the end of the world, and the last great day of judgment which I shall pass upon the inhabitants thereof, judging every man according to his works and the deeds which he has done — and surely every man must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless, wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which I shall pass, but woes shall go forth: weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth, yea, to those who are found on my left hand.  Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment. 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. Wherefore, I will explain unto you this mystery, for it is meet unto you to know, even as my apostles. I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing, even as one, that you may enter into my rest, for behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it? For behold, I am Endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is Endless punishment, for Endless is my name. Wherefore —   Eternal punishment is God’s punishment.   Endless punishment is God’s punishment. (D&C 19:1 - 12, T&C 4 pars. 1 - 4)

So, if I understand it right God is declaring that "endless" and "eternal" punishment is God's punishment.

"Endless" and "Eternal" are titles that apply to God.

"Endless" and "eternal" do not mean going on forever and ever without end.

Even here with this example, doesn't it appear that the terms "endless" and "eternal" have different meanings?

Do each of the two terms apply to a specific title or character of God that is unique?

Is it important for us to ponder upon and consider these things in order to come to a better understanding of the character of God?

Would that increase our faith?

Having shown in the third lecture that correct ideas of the character of God are necessary in order to the exercise of faith in him unto life and salvation, and that without correct ideas of his character, the minds of men could not have sufficient power with God to the exercise of faith necessary to the enjoyment of eternal life, and that correct ideas of his character lay a foundation, as far as his character is concerned, for the exercise of faith so as to enjoy the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Jesus Christ, even that of Eternal glory, we shall now proceed to show the connection there is between correct ideas of the attributes of God and the exercise of faith in him unto eternal life.  Let us here observe that the real design which the God of Heaven had in view in making the human family acquainted with his attributes was that they, through the ideas of the existence of his attributes, might be enabled to exercise faith in him, and through the exercise of faith in him might obtain eternal life. For without the idea of the existence of the attributes which belong to God, the minds of men could not have power to exercise faith on him so as to lay hold upon eternal life. The God of Heaven, understanding most perfectly the constitution of human nature and the weakness of man, knew what was necessary to be revealed and what ideas must be planted in their minds in order that they might be enabled to exercise faith in him unto eternal life. (Lectures on Faith 4:1 - 2, T&C 110, Lectures on Faith, Lecture Fourth, pars. 1 - 2)

When the prophet Joseph declared in Lectures on Faith that understanding the correct character and attributes God possesses is necessary in order to exercise faith in God unto eternal life, is that fulfilling what was revealed to Joseph concerning the use of the terms "endless" and "eternal" being used that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men altogether for my name’s glory.?

If it is God's work and glory to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man then is part of that "work" entailed in using terms contained in prophecy, visions, scriptures, dreams, and so forth in a way that works upon our hearts to increase our understanding of God's characteristics and attributes so that God can be glorified as we increase in faith to receive eternal life?

If we were to apply this type of reasoning to the term "everlasting" that the angel is declaring to Nephi would this reasoning fit the context of God's "work"?

Could it be said that God is "everlasting"?

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth or ever you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God. You turn man to destruction and say, Return, you children of men. For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past and as a watch in the night. You carry them away as with a flood. They are as a sleep. In the morning they are like grass which grows up. In the morning it flourishes and grows up. In the evening it is cut down and withers. (Psalm 90:1 - 6, OC Psalm 90 par. 1)

What does that mean to be "everlasting" as opposed to being "endless" or "eternal"?

Why not just use the term "eternal" everywhere and every time?

Couldn't the angel have declared to Nephi that this would be a work which shall be "eternal", either on the one hand or on the other ?

Are "eternal" and "everlasting" interchangeable terms?

Didn't the Lord define the term "eternal" in the context of "eternal life"?

Jesus spoke these words, and lifted up his eyes to Heaven and said, Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son also may glorify you, as you have given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as you have given him. And this is life eternal: that they might know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have glorified you on the earth. I have finished the work which you gave me to do. And now, O Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world was.(John 17:1 - 5, NC John 9 par. 19)

If "eternal life" is to know God and Christ face to face, not just to know of God and Christ, then is the word eternal in it's many uses in scripture connoting a face to face relationship with God and Christ?

Could "eternal damnation" have the meaning of one being stopped or being held back from coming to a face to face relationship with God and Christ?

Is it possible to look at the term "eternal" in the scriptures, wherever it is used, and connect it with this face to face relationship with God and Christ?

When one of the titles for God and Christ is the term "eternal", is it possible that that title refers to Their face to face relationships with those even further along the path of exaltation?

Is it possible that one of the characteristics of God and Christ is their relationships with those dwelling in even higher realms?

Is it possible that the term "eternal" relates to the ability of an individual to have a face to face relationship with those in higher realms than where they themselves presently reside?

If having faith allows one to come to have a face to face relationship with those in a realm higher than the one they presently find themselves in, could it be appropriately stated that when faith is declared to be an "eternal" principle that means that faith is a "face to face relationship forming" principle?

When the Lord offered an "infinite" and an "eternal" sacrifice could it be said that He offered an "infinite" and "relationship forming" sacrifice?  Or could it mean that His sacrifice was performed face to face with God or in other words the Father was present as the sacrifice was given?  Or could it mean  both actions combined?

What characteristic of godliness could be observed in the term "everlasting"?

Is it possible that if we look at other instances in scripture and the teachings of the Prophet Joseph where the term "everlasting" is used that we might come to a better understanding of the term?

As I searched for the term "everlasting" and the context it was used in I discovered the following.

On the positive side of the term usage we have a great many uses of the term "everlasting" used with

    - Covenant (ie. strong in the faith in the new and everlasting covenant)

    - Gospel (ie. the fullness of the everlasting Gospel)

    - Priesthood (ie. The priesthood is everlasting - without beginning of days or end of years)

    - Joy (ie. they shall come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads)

    - Righteousness (ie. iniquity shall be swept from the earth and everlasting righteousness brought in)

    - Kingdom (ie. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom)

    - Honors (ie. the faithful will enjoy everlasting honors)

    - Dominion (ie. His dominion is an everlasting dominion)

    - Life (ie. after having gone so far unto everlasting life)

    - Increase (ie. the Lord will reward us with everlasting increase)

    - Burnings (ie. and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings and to sit in glory)

    - Power (ie. those who sit enthroned in everlasting power)

  And this one is really interesting.

O Lord God Almighty, hear us in these our petitions, and answer us from Heaven, thy holy habitation where thou sittest enthroned with glory, honor, power, majesty, might, dominion, truth, justice, judgment, mercy, and an infinity of fullness, from everlasting to everlasting. O hear, O hear, O hear us, O Lord, and answer these petitions, and accept the dedication of this house unto thee, the work of our hands, which we have built unto thy name, and also this church, to put upon it thy name. And help us by the power of thy spirit that we may mingle our voices with those bright shining seraphs around thy throne, with acclamations of praise, singing, Hosanna to God and the Lamb. And let these, thine anointed ones, be clothed with salvation, and thy saints shout aloud for joy. Amen and Amen. (D&C 109:77 - 80, T&C 123 par. 22)

What are we to understand from the Lord revealing to us that He sits enthroned with glory, honor, majesty, might, dominion, truth, justice, judgment, mercy, and an infinity of fullness, all of this from everlasting to everlasting?

Is it possible to move from one state of everlasting to another state of everlasting?

John testified of Christ as follows

And I, John, saw that he received not of the fullness at the first, but received grace for grace. And he received not of the fullness at first, but continued from grace to grace until he received a fullness, and thus he was called, the Son of God, because he received not of the fullness at the first.(D&C 93:12 - 14, T&C 93 par. 4)

If Christ went from grace to grace and that was ever increasing, is it possible that to move forward and to increase from grace to grace is to be in a state of moving from everlasting to everlasting?

Could it be reasonably assumed that the term "everlasting" holds the connotation of something that is ever increasing without end?

Would that fit in the context of the phrases that are created above by combining the term "everlasting" with other words?

Could it be said of Christ's power and kingdom and dominion that they are ever increasing without end or in other words Christ's power and kingdom and dominion are everlasting?

... For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of government and peace there is no end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:1 - 7, OC Isaiah 4 par. 1)

Is not this ever increasing kingdom and dominion and power spoken of here, as Christ now receives the title of "Everlasting Father"?

If God sits enthroned in everlasting burnings does that mean that God's glory or exaltation is ever increasing without end? 

What did Jesus do? Why; I do the things I saw my Father do when worlds come rolling into existence. My Father worked out his kingdom with fear and trembling, and I must do the same; and when I get my kingdom, I shall present it to my Father, so that he may obtain kingdom upon kingdom, and it will exalt him in glory. He will then take a higher exaltation, and I will take his place, and thereby become exalted myself. So that Jesus treads in the tracks of his Father, and inherits what God did before; and God is thus glorified and exalted in the salvation and exaltation of all his children. It is plain beyond disputation, and you thus learn some of the first principles of the Gospel, about which so much hath been said. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pgs. 347 - 348)

Now, why be so concerned about this term "everlasting"?

Nephi declares that this great and a marvelous work will be "everlasting" on the one hand or on the other.

If we are able to apply the meaning of ever increasing without end to the term "everlasting" then wouldn't that mean that what Nephi declares to be on the one hand or on the other are both ever increasing consequences without end for responding to this great and a marvelous work?

Nephi declares that the consequences of the one hand for the believing gentiles are the convincing of them unto peace and life eternal.

Consider the implications of experiencing an ever increasing belief in the words of Christ (the great and a marvelous work) without end that leads to ever increasing peace without end and an ever increasing face to face relationship with God and Christ without end.

What sort of society would eventually exist among such a group of people?

If we were to look at the Nephite civilization that existed during the first part of the record of 4th Nephi could we get a glimpse of a society of people who were ever increasing in peace together and in their face to face relationship with God and Christ, both actions without end?

What marvelous events occurred naturally among that group of people?

Now, as God sends us a description of both His promises for obedience and His cursing for disobedience we must necessarily look at the other hand which is also "everlasting".

Nephi declares that this great and a marvelous work (the words of Christ) will bring about on the other hand among the unbelieving gentiles the deliverance of them to the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds, unto their being brought down into captivity and also unto destruction, both temporally and spiritually, according to the captivity of the Devil.

This hardness of heart and blindness of mind among the unbelieving gentiles will be ever increasing without end, according to Nephi.

We have talked about this before.  If a person or a people or a nation rejects Christ's words that He sends through an authorized servant what spirit immediately enters in?

The moment we revolt at anything which comes from God, the devil takes power.(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 181)

Is this a very serious matter?

Is it possible for our belief in our traditions to cause us to revolt at Christ's words?

Do we have examples of this very thing, belief in tradition, blinding people to Christ's words, happening before in the scriptures?

Why would God make sure that we have such examples?

Are traditions able to blind our minds just as much as believing an outright lie?

Do we have examples of this among the peoples of the Book of Mormon where their hard heartedness and blindness of minds was ever increasing without end?

What resulted from this consequence?

Was there ever any enduring peace among any people or nation that ever increasingly hardened their hearts or blinded their minds to the words of Christ?

Because of their ever increasing hardness of heart and their ever increasing blindness of minds these gentiles will be brought down into ever increasing captivity and ever increasing destruction without end both temporally and spiritually, according to Nephi. 

Is the act of believing lies because of an ever increasing blindness of mind captivating both physically and spiritually?

When a person or a people or a nation ever increasingly believe in or tolerate lies do they ever increasingly loose freedom and ever increasingly become ripe for destruction?

Do we see such actions today among the gentiles?

What should that tell us of our existing gentile institutions, churches, and government in the context of what Nephi is seeing here?

There is not enough emphasis that can be placed on the seriousness of what Nephi is talking about here.

What Nephi declared, he sealed by the power of the Holy Ghost.  

These things will happen on the one hand or on the other and they will be ever increasing among both the believing gentiles and the unbelieving gentiles on the one hand or on the other.

Remember what Nephi said concerning the gulf that separates the wicked from the tree of life and also from the saints of God?

And it came to pass that they did speak unto me again, saying, What meaneth this thing which our father saw in a dream? What meaneth the tree which he saw? And I said unto them, It was a representation of the tree of life. And they said unto me, What meaneth the rod of iron which our father saw that led to the tree? And I said unto them that it was the word of God, and that whoso would hearken unto the word of God and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish, neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction. Wherefore, I, Nephi, did exhort them to give heed unto the word of the Lord; yea, I did exhort them with all the energies of my soul, and with all the faculty which I possessed, that they would give heed to the word of God and remember to keep his commandments always, in all things. And they said unto me, What meaneth the river of water which our father saw? And I said unto them that the water which my father saw was filthiness; and so much was his mind swallowed up in other things that he beheld not the filthiness of the water. And I said unto them that it was an awful gulf which separateth the wicked from the tree of life, and also from the saints of God. And I said unto them that it was a representation of that awful hell which the angel said unto me was prepared for the wicked. And I said unto them that our father also saw that the justice of God did also divide the wicked from the righteous, and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a flaming fire which ascendeth up unto God for ever and ever and hath no end.(1 Nephi 15:21 - 30, NC 1 Nefi 4 par. 5)

As the believing gentiles ever increasingly believe the words of Christ and ever increasingly experience peace and a face to face relationship with God and Christ won't that gulf grow between them and the unbelieving gentiles who experience ever increasing hardness of heart and blindness of mind unto being brought down into captivity and destruction both physically and spiritually?

Do we have examples in the Book of Mormon of this gulf growing between believers and non believers in the words of Christ?

What is to be done?

Behold, the Lord hath created the earth that it should be inhabited, and he hath created his children that they should possess it. And he raiseth up a righteous nation and destroyeth the nations of the wicked. And he leadeth away the righteous into precious lands, and the wicked he destroyeth, and curseth the land unto them for their sakes. He ruleth high in the Heavens, for it is his throne, and this earth is his footstool. And he loveth them who will have him to be their God. Behold, he loved our fathers; and he covenanted with them, yea, even Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and he remembered the covenants which he had made; wherefore, he did bring them out of the land of Egypt. And he did straiten them in the wilderness with his rod, for they hardened their hearts, even as ye have; and the Lord straitened them because of their iniquity. He sent flying fiery serpents among them; and after they were bitten, he prepared a way that they might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform were to look. And because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished. And they did harden their hearts from time to time, and they did revile against Moses and also against God. Nevertheless, ye know that they were led forth by his matchless power into the land of promise. (1 Nephi 17:36 - 42, NC 1 Nephi 5 par. 20)

The Lord has prepared a way for us to be healed.  He has sent His words among us as He goes about performing a great and a marvelous work now among men on the earth.  All we have to do is simply look to and believe on His words.

Please, I plead, don't perish because you refuse to simply look at the words Christ has now sent and continues to send.

Be believing in the words of Christ and He will heal you.  Christ declares this in His scriptures in plain simple humility.

Be His sheep and hear His voice.