Sign me up for the better part!

Alma 40

Alma continues talking with Coriantum – this time about the resurrection and what we can expect when we die. This is a chapter I would refer to if someone wanted to know what would happen after they die.

The first thing that happens when we die is we go back to that God who gave us life. I can't find the reference quickly and I have grandchildren waiting for breakfast, but I remember learning that the creator of our bodies is Christ. So we return to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Then is when there is a separation. Those who have made righteous choices can look forward to:

• rest
• peace
• rest from troubles, cares and sorrows

The wicked can look forward to:

• weeping
• wailing
• gnashing of teeth
• awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God

How long does this last? Until the time of their resurrection. What happens then? Their bodies will be reunited with their souls and they will be judged. The righteous have this to look forward to “the righteous shine forth in the kingdom of God”. The wicked can look forward to “. . .an awful death cometh upon the wicked for they die as to things pertaining to things of righteousness; for they are unclean, and no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of God; but they are cast out, ad consigned to partake of the fruit of their labors or their works, which have been evil; and they drink the dregs of a bitter cup.” (v26)

I looked up the word dregs. It is the “most undesirable part”. Now that's something to look forward to. NOT!

It's pretty straight forward. On the one hand (righteousness), we can look forward to peace and rest. On the other (wickedness) we can look forward to some pretty awful stuff. The Lord leaves it up to us. We can choose. As for me, I choose the better part. It might mean I go without a few things in this life that are attractive momentarily, but bring an eternity of sorrow because of the knowledge I could have had it all – all that belongs to the Lord will belong to those who make righteous choices. Sign me up!