Question
Gramps,
Can one state accurately that there is anything or any judgment that is “final” when we are taught the doctrine of an “infinite” atonement in the temple and scripture and by modern revelation? Infinite literally must encompass all past, present, and future eventualities, and thus allow for repentance Infinitely, by any who desires to utilize it infinitely, and thereby can we ever state that progression from one kingdom to another is not possible without denying the infinite atonement?
Casey
Answer
Casey,
The answer to your question is yes, although I can understand why you might suggest this. We can state there is a final judgment (as taught in scripture), while also teaching the Atonement of Jesus Christ is an infinite atonement. This also is consistent with the teaching that there is no progress from one Kingdom into another Kingdom (otherwise, let us all enjoy “deathbed” repentance or even no repentance — forsake God — eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die and God will just beat us with a few stripes (repentance later), “I’m sorry now, but I had a lot of fun sinning ignoring your commandments in this life!”).
There are a few scriptures that show a “final” or some type of final judgment the Lord himself can make, which the Father would make as they are one. Let’s review these verses of scripture Doctrine and Covenants 131:4:
He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase.
If we are unable to have “increase” are we then able to “progress” from one state/body to another?
Let’s look at the next scripture verse Doctrine and Covenants 64:10:
I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
The scripture teaches the Lord will forgive whom he will forgive, even with an infinite atonement.
Let’s look at this verse of scripture also Doctrine and Covenant 45:3-5:
3 Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—
4 Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;
5 Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.
This scripture clearly shows the Lord pleading to the Father on behalf of his atonement (his blood, his suffering, and being without sin) to those who repented during their second estate. He says unto these, those who kept their second estate, that they may come unto him and have everlasting life. Those who did not accept and receive him will not be able to enjoy coming unto him and have eternal life.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is an infinite atonement for those who loved the Lord in this life. It will cover all their past, present, and future sins. We are taught that perfection through Christ will continue into the eternities. For those who choose not to accept the Atonement of Jesus Christ then the ends of the law will take its accounting.
President Oaks these past two General Conferences highlight this:
If what you are specifying is true, then these verses of scripture and the whole concept of this is the time to repent and prepare to meet God becomes obsolete. 2 Nephi 28:7-8 and Alma 34:32:
7 Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us.
8 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.
Next verse:
32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.
Gramps
