My wife canceled our internet service with AT&T and signed us up with Focus, a local company in our neck of the woods, that provides this service. I guess it doesn’t speak well of AT&T that my wife called Focus just to give them a glowing review. While on the phone, she had to stop herself from crying—for joy—after enduring so much “customer no-service” from AT&T. What a breath of fresh air it is to call Focus, easily resolve an issue while speaking with someone who speaks clear English, and get a better rate.
In light of the many violent people in our society who commit atrocities against innocent children, women, and men, the first chapter of my book, Principles Worth Passing On, may be worth your time. Chapter one--printed below--of this book, addresses judgment, justice, and the ultimate outcomes for those who run roughshod over innocent citizens who have done no wrong.
Just because agency is currently granted to both the wicked and the righteous, and mankind is given a probationary period to exercise this freedom of conscience, does not mean that violent people will escape accountability. Unless Christ and repentance are sought, deviants will eventually be held responsible and punished for all their crimes against humanity. We must be patient until the God of the universe steps out of His hiding place and dispenses righteous justice to everyone. All who have suffered tragedy and heartache through no fault of their own will one day be healed and assigned to a kingdom of eternal peace.
Please enjoy:
Chapter 1: Justice, Mercy, and Judgement
Although much good is happening in our time, I’m alarmed by the increasing corruption, violence, dishonesty, hatred, wickedness, and spiritual blindness I see throughout the world. Still, I want to remain hopeful for a bright future for my family and for others beyond my family. My purpose in writing this chapter is to convey the outcomes that await those who strive to live righteously before God. I also want to address the consequences that come to those who choose to live contrary to God’s will.
When I write about wickedness in this chapter, I hope my posterity will not take these words personally or think I am calling them out. Nothing could be further from the truth. My family members are very good people who constantly amaze me. With that said, I hope this information will be helpful to them and to others outside my family as they navigate life.
Many, including myself, are worried and outraged over hardened criminals throughout the world who are protected from justice by conspiring and unrighteous civil authorities. Others who are innocent are unjustly prosecuted and punished by the same authorities. This discrepancy is summarized by some in the Old Testament who said, “Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered. Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not” (Malachi 3:14–18).
These verses indicate that now is not the time to discern between the righteous and the wicked. A day of justice and judgment will eventually overtake everyone. When that day has come to pass, we may then discern between “him that serveth God and him that serveth him not,” and the outcome between the righteous and the wicked.
In chapter 4:2-3 of the same book, the Lord said, “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.” We must be patient and trust that God will not allow heartache, insanity, and chaos to go on forever.
This subject may be unappealing to many. Nevertheless, it is crucial that everyone understands why justice, judgment, mercy, and rewards matter so profoundly. Justice and judgment will eventually sweep the world like a flood. All wrongs committed against the innocent will be healed and set right. The innocent will be delivered from the grasp of conspiring men, while the unbelieving, brutal, dishonest, controlling, and worldly will face judgment and be held accountable for their sins and crimes against humanity.
Rebellious individuals certainly have the agency to commit crimes and atrocities against their fellow man, but they have no power to avoid the eventual consequences—or the righteous indignation and judgment—that will be poured out by the Judge of heaven and earth. No wicked individuals—even criminals in high places—will be able to fool the Lord and elude justice.
Few realize that every sin carries a punishment that must eventually be satisfied—otherwise God would cease to be God. In contrast, God also rewards His children for all the good they do. Chaos and mayhem would rule if justice were not administered and carried out throughout the universe. Without justice and punishment, few would fear to steal, lie, control others, or commit wickedness, whoredoms, and violence against their fellow-man. Fear and anguish will eventually overtake those who remain unrepentant and wicked. Thanks be to God, who does and will exercise justice and mercy in perfect righteousness.
Two options are given to satisfy the penalties attached to every sin. The first is that we must personally endure significant punishment for each of our transgressions. The second is that God has extended to us an arm of mercy—Jesus Christ—who has already suffered the penalty for our sins. All of God’s children can escape punishment, suffering, and pain if they will rely on Christ by accepting Him, exercising faith in Him, repenting, being baptized, and striving to follow His example. Without this arm of mercy, all is lost. Life becomes dark, depressing, painful, and full of anguish, and joy is quenched.
To my knowledge, mortality—and the period preceding our resurrection—is the only time in our eternal existence when we will be allowed to utilize this “get-out-of-pain-and--torment” pass and have someone else—the Savior—endure the punishments associated with our sins. Without this pass, justice, which protects the universe from chaos, must be administered.
If we rebel and reject Christ and His offer of mercy, we forfeit this pass. Thankfully, because God knows we are new at having and controlling a physical body, He gives us time—with the Savior’s assistance—to bring ourselves into compliance with the perfect laws He has given.
Therefore, in this life, punishment is not always immediate. God grants us a probationary period to try to become more like Him voluntarily. He will not force His perfect plan, laws, rewards, goodness, or blessings upon anyone. To obtain these blessings, we must use our agency correctly and choose to follow the Savior and His example.
Those who are worldly and rebellious often fail to understand that just because punishment is not immediate does not mean a day of reckoning will never come. We are being tested through opposition to see how we will behave when we do not have perfect knowledge that God lives and that He is real. For those who will not use their moral agency to accept Christ and strive to voluntarily worship and become like Him, God has another, more painful plan that will eventually overtake the unbelieving and rebellious.
We can either choose to become humble and strive to follow God’s counsels and commandments, or we will eventually be humbled. Those who do not strive to follow the Savior and His counsels will one day be humbled and brought low. Isaiah 2:12 declares, “For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low.”
For those who willingly disobey God and trample Him and their fellow-man underfoot, there is something called “the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God,” spoken of in the Book of Revelation. This winepress will eventually overtake those who continue to use their moral agency incorrectly to the detriment of their fellow man.
It is far better to live correctly in this life and follow God’s counsels. All His commandments are right. None of His laws are wrong or dark. His laws lead to deliverance, life, light, happiness, peace, and liberty.
How difficult and intense the punishment will be for those who rebel against God is not fully known, but we do know that the suffering Christ endured for the sins of the world caused Him to bleed profusely and tremble because of pain—so great was His anguish. Thanks and praise be to Christ, who took upon Himself these pains so that we will not have to endure them if we will accept and follow Him.
Even though Christ has commanded us to be perfect, even as He and His Father in heaven are perfect (see Matthew 5:48), it is clear that we will not become perfect in this life. However, God never gives a commandment we cannot eventually obey. Interestingly, the Old Testament describes Job as “a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil” (Job 1:8), and Revelation 14:4–5 speaks of those who “follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth... for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Of Noah, it was said that he “was a just man and perfect in his generations” (Genesis 6:9).
In our quest to become as God wants us to be, we should not become discouraged when we fall short. We should be reasonable and not harsh with ourselves. All our Heavenly Father requires in this life is that we strive every day to repent and become more like Christ in our thoughts, actions, deeds, and words.
The innocent and those who have love for God and their fellow man will be delivered and healed. They will be received into a state of happiness when they pass into the world to come. Revelation 21:4 promises, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Many are bitter and unbelieving because of trials and the difficulties of life. Yet, if we never experienced difficulty and opposition, we might never grow in the ways that are needful. Experiencing the bitter causes us to gain experience and mature, and it enables us to more fully appreciate and rejoice in our future heavenly home. Facing difficulty and challenges leads to greater appreciation and joy when things are good.
Difficulty refines and beautifies us, but many refuse to become refined and beautified. Many leave mortality in a spiritually sick condition.
Those who never had a fair opportunity to learn of Christ or His commandments will receive a less harsh judgment than those who knew of Christ yet refused to come unto Him. Luke 12:47–48 teaches, “And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” God is a just judge and is less punitive toward those who were never given a fair opportunity to hear, understand, and obey His gospel.
In our generation, few have an excuse. The gospel has been set before us. We have the scriptures and the testimony of Jesus.
Punishment and Rewards
Many children receive correction when they disobey their parents and are rewarded or praised when they do what is right. God works in a similar way: He dispenses rewards and punishments according to His own timing.
The world teaches that those who go to hell will remain there forever and ever in a state of never-ending torment. True, the scriptures do relay this message, but I would like to offer a few thoughts for consideration:
Matthew 12:31–32 records that “blasphemy against the Holy Ghost” shall not be forgiven “neither in this world, neither in the world to come.” Because blasphemy against the Holy Ghost is the only sin the scriptures explicitly state will not be forgiven in this world or the world to come, it raises the question: Can other sins be forgiven in the world to come?
Mark 3:29 uses the term “eternal damnation” in reference to blasphemers against the Holy Ghost. To my knowledge, this is the only verse in the Bible that uses this exact phrase. Other verses in the Bible use the words “damnation” or “greater damnation” to describe the damned, but not “eternal damnation.” Those who commit less serious sins may become damned, but not eternally. Being damned probably means being halted in one’s progress until he or she repents or makes changes for good. Depending upon their degree of rebellion, unbelieving and unrepentant individuals will receive different degrees of damnation.
King David, who committed adultery and arranged the death of Uriah, declared, “For great is thy mercy toward me; and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell” (Psalm 86:13). Psalm 16:9–10 adds, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell.”
Christ spoke to the scribes, Pharisees, and hypocrites, saying, “Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord” (see Matthew 23:39). After enduring the pains of hell and damnation, will these—and others who have rebelled—eventually come to the point where they will say, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord”? As David rejoiced in the prospect of being delivered from hell, so will the scribes, Pharisees, and hypocrites after they have suffered the penalty for their sins. They will want to be delivered from the pains of hell.
Another interesting passage in the New Testament reads, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: by which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water” (1 Peter 3:18–20).
According to this passage, after His death and resurrection, (and in connection with His being made alive by the Spirit), Christ preached to a group of spirits who once lived during Noah’s time. These spirits were still in a spiritual prison or hell. Would Christ have visited and preached the gospel to them if they could never repent and be delivered? These verses suggest that the common view of being cast into hell forever and ever is misunderstood by many.
We are taught to fear God. We should not expect a mere slap on the wrist if we have committed sins that have caused others anguish. Unless wicked and unloving people accept Christ, repent, become humble, and agree to follow the Savior and His example, it is fair to say that they will have to endure a more harsh, severe, and lengthy punishment than the pain and suffering they inflicted upon their victims. Revelation 18:6–7 declares, “Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.... How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her.”
Throughout history, many ruthless dictators have caused millions to suffer and die. Whether it is even possible for them to eventually be delivered from hell, it is reasonable to assume that punishment for unrepentant dictators will be more enormous, lengthy, painful, drastic, and intense because of the magnitude of the trauma they caused while in mortality. If tyrants and others who have participated in significant wickedness do not fear God now, they certainly will before and when they are brought up to be judged by Him. Unrepentant, heavyweight sinners will have to endure more severe and lengthy punishments. Sadly, I know of no dictators who have accepted Christ, repented, and truly changed their ways. Without Christ, deliverance from hell is not possible.
The Three Heavens
As noted earlier, most parents punish children for misbehavior but reward them for obedience and good behavior. God likewise chastens His children when they go contrary to Him, yet He rewards them for all the good they do and every commandment they keep.
2 Corinthians 12:2 teaches that Paul was caught up to the “third heaven.” John 14:2 says, “In my Father's house are many mansions…I go to prepare a place for you.” Those who have been faithful and obedient to God will be called up into the “third heaven,” which is the highest heaven.
1 Corinthians 15:40–42 gives us reason to believe that the different glories and rewards of the three heavens can be compared to the differences in brightness between the sun, the moon, and the stars—where the glory of the highest heaven is compared to the glory of the sun, the glory of the middle heaven to the glory of the moon, and the glory of the lowest heaven to the glory of the stars.
Even though the lowest heaven will be a wonderful place—more amazing than anything we can imagine—it is sensible that there will still be ongoing eternal regrets, burning of conscience, and anguish as those in the lowest heaven contemplate the blessings they passed up by not living faithfully and worthily to inherit the highest heaven. Also, those who inherit the lowest heaven will experience the “second death,” as recorded in Revelation 21:8. I will write more concerning the “second death” at the end of chapter two.
As already mentioned, all who have accepted Christ and have obeyed Him to the best of their ability will never have to suffer in hell for their own sins. Christ has paid the price for them. They will inherit the highest heaven.
Those who are unbelieving, unrepentant, and commit heavyweight sins against their fellow man will be cast down to hell to pay for their sins. Once the price and penalties for their sins have been endured and they are willing to submit to the Father’s will, they will be delivered from hell and will inherit the lowest heaven.
Per modern-day revelation—which not everyone accepts—Doctrine and Covenants 76:74–75 indicates that honorable people of the earth who were “blinded by the craftiness of men,” along with those who “received not the testimony of Jesus in the flesh, but afterwards received it,” will inherit the terrestrial (middle) heaven.
Those who commit blasphemy against the Holy Ghost will never be released from outer darkness or hell. Also, the scriptures report that the false prophet “shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20:10). I’m assuming cold-blooded murderers will never be released from hell; I’m not sure. If any other category of sinners will remain in hell forever, I’m not aware.
A Few Words of Counsel
Belief in Christ motivates people to emulate His perfect example, generating much good amid a sin-darkened world. "If men did not strive to follow His example and teachings, darkness would increase, love would diminish, and no mercy would be extended to mankind."
Jesus said, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Likewise, John the Baptist cried, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). After being commissioned and given authority by Christ, His apostles “went out, and preached that men should repent” (Mark 6:12). Peter declared that God “commandeth all men every where to repent: because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness” (Acts 17:30–31). I recommend we follow the counsel of Jesus, John, the apostles, and Peter. Repentance is not a negative word. It implies making personal, incremental improvements every day. We need to read the scriptures. They will teach us all things we need to repent of and do.
There is another important trait that will protect us from suffering for our sins: those who have love for others will receive forgiveness. Luke 7:47–48 recounts the story of a woman who washed the feet of Christ with her hair and tears and anointed His feet with ointment. Of her, Christ said, “Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.” Self-centered people who are void of love will receive little forgiveness.
Additionally, man must forgive others, because Matthew 6:14–15 reads, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:12 says, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Receiving forgiveness is conditional upon our forgiving our enemies and those who have harmed us.
Lastly, Christ said, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3–4). I will leave it to the reader to ponder what is meant by becoming “converted” and “as little children.”
Final Thoughts
We will probably have to endure the injustices of man for yet a very short period before the Savior returns, judgment commences, and the guilty are punished. I believe the Second Coming is fast approaching. “The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night” (see 2 Peter 3:10). Until the day of His return, I hope that my posterity and I will endure well, strive to keep the Lord’s commandments, and remain faithful to Christ to the best of our ability. I hope others will do the same.
I believe two verses in the Book of Mormon summarize the attitude of many in our day. They read: “And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God. Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines, and shall be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek deep to hide their counsels from the Lord; and their works shall be in the dark” (2 Nephi 28:8–9).
Note:
When Christ spoke of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, He was addressing the Pharisees who accused Him of casting out devils by “Beelzebub, the prince of the devils” (see Matthew 12:22–31). It is a serious matter to accuse those doing good wrongfully—in front of others—with no concrete evidence. Many of the Pharisees were eyewitnesses to Christ’s miracles, yet instead of accepting Him, they opposed Him. They continually watched Him, seeking grounds for accusation.
In our day, many likewise watch the righteous—or those doing good—eager to find fault and bring accusations against them. Those who continually watch the innocent to catch them doing wrong are in spiritual danger.
Few in our time have sufficient light and knowledge to commit blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. Had we lived during the time of Christ, witnessed His goodness, teachings, and miracles, and rebelled against Him as many Pharisees did, we would be in great trouble too. The Pharisees sinned against the greater light. Many of these, like Satan, were in opposition to Christ and probably will be forever and will never be forgiven or delivered from hell. Also, those who commit blasphemy against the Holy Ghost are murderers, for many Pharisees moved to have Christ crucified.
As the Pharisees, without evidence, accused Christ, the following was written concerning Satan: “for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night” (Revelation 12:10). Few truly understand the profound spiritual danger of finding fault and habitually repeating baseless and unsubstantiated accusations and verbal attacks against those guilty of no wrongdoing.
🚨 MAJOR BREAKING: The Surgeon General of Florida just announced ALL VACCINE MANDATES IN FLORIDA will be ENDED, and the room erupted.
All. Not just COVID. ALL.
JOSEPH LADAPO: "Every last one is wrong and DRIPS with disdain and slavery! Who am I, or anyone else, to tell YOU what you should put in your body? Who am I to tell you what your CHILD should put in their body? I don't have that right. Your body is a gift from God. What you put into your body is because of your relationship with your Body and God."
"Pretty much every state has them. It's WRONG."
Elon Musk:”You get taxed on what you earn, you get taxed on what you buy, and you get taxed on what you own. And what does it get spent on? A bunch of stuff you don’t even agree with.
That’s why we need to reduce the size of government, spend less money and let the people keep a lot more of their hard-earned money.”
Yeah, the Pharisees' thought Christ was a devil too. Perhaps it's good to reserve judgment if you think others of another religion may be demonic. Just as many in the New Testament referred to Christ as Beelzebub because of Jesus' doctrine, members of other religions do the same to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
Matthew 12:23-24
And too many in the New Testament thought Christ was a demon too. Yes, there is more to it than that.
And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?
But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.
Matthew 12:23-24
We're not Mormons. We're members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
In regard to Satan, whose son is he? He didn't just create himself. He is a son of God too and rebelled just as many on earth rebel and follow him. By choice, many on earth are just as demonic as satan is.
In regard to becoming a god, I have no desire to do so. Whatever I eventually become will be in God's hands, not my own. With that being said, you may consider just two or three of the following Biblical verses:
34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
John 10:34-36
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
Psalm 82:6
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Revelation 3:21
I'm pretty sure that this is Biblical. I didn't make it up. If you don't agree, I understand.
@ThoughtfulSaint My missionary companion got kicked off his bike when a motorcyclist tried to run him over. I was never assaulted but was threatened and treated badly by some while on my mission.
@ThoughtfulSaint No fear from this missionary, and he said nothing to this aggressor just as Christ remained silent prior to being delivered up to the cross. The composure of this missionary was incredible. This incident was probably his greatest sermon.
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one;
John 17:20-23
New Testament
Scriptures
@BasedMikeLee@johnddavidson I recommend that the way to know if members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are Christian, is to read the Book of Mormon.