3 Nephi 8

When Christ was crucified, great destruction occurred on the American continent. Many cities were burned, while other cities became mountains, and yet other cities were covered by the sea. Those who remained wished they had repented prior to the great destruction saying, "O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and had not killed and stoned the prophets, and cast them out; then would our mothers and our fair daughters; and our children have been spared...(25)", and in another city they said, "O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and then would our brethren have been spared... (24). 

This life is our probation. We prepare to meet God while we are here on this earth. I have thought about this concept many times. Ultimately, we get to choose our destination at the end of this life. In 2 Nephi  10:23 it states, "Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves--to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life" (2 Ne. 10:23).  The scriptures demonstrated that many of the people who lived prior to the Savior's coming turned their hearts from God, and chose the way of "everlasting death". And as I consider this, I have often wondered what this means for us. What will be a game changer? The difference maker? I don't want to ever hear myself bemoan my or my families' lack of repentance.

This past month my little brother passed away. Twenty years ago my older brother passed away. Death has caused me to reflect on this concept even more. I have prayed to know and understand the Lord's plan, and I have gained a testimony of the plan of salvation. I know that my understanding is still young, and I know that I will continue to grow in knowledge concerning our life to come. However, as I have contemplated this, I have felt as if the key to the next life will be our hearts. I don't think there will be a checklist of sins and misdeeds that will keep us out of heaven for I truly believe that each and every one of us have sins that disqualify us. However, as our hearts turn to God, and as we desire Him, it is then that the atonement can take place in our lives to allow us to enter into God's presence. If our hearts are pure before God, then we will be able to access the Savior's great atoning sacrifice. President Uchtdorf said, "Today and forevermore God's grace is available to all whose hearts are broken and whose spirits are contrite" (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Gift of Grace, April 2015 General Conference). He further stated, "Because we have all 'sinned, and come short of the glory of God' and because 'there cannot any unclean thing enter into the kingdom of God,' every one of us is unworthy to return to God's presence. Even if we were to serve God with our whole souls, it is not enough, for we would still be 'unprofitable servants.' We cannot earn our way into heaven;...The grace of God is our great everlasting hope" (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Gift of Grace, April 2015 General Conference).

And thus, I stand all amazed at my Savior and King. My writing cannot describe the gratitude, love, and devotion I feel toward Him. Because of Him, "death has no sting" (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Gift of Grace, April 2015 General Conference). Because of Him families can be together forever. My heart sings. I rejoice at what He offers me, and I humbly pray that my heart will always be His, so that His grace may rescue me--a sinner.