Alma 40:25-26 and chapter 41

I have thought it both tiring and exhalting (mostly at the same time) that we're constantly exhorted to do better. It is hard to feel like you're doing your best, but it isn't enough! I don't really think that is it. When it is your best, it is enough, that is the beauty of the atonement and resurrection. But as Alma 41 states, we are judged by our works, so have good works and be restored good. And as that comes to fruition, everything is restored to its proper order and the heirarchy that the scriptures explain.

After reading my blog yesterday, a friend asked me if I thought those with a lost limb or something missing at birth would be resurrected that way. My first inclination is to say that we don't know for sure. But this chapter states having things restored to their proper order. I don't know that it will happen immediately - only the Lord knows for sure - but the scriptures clearly state they will be restored.

But remember, restored to wholeness, but perhaps not perfection, because we are raised as we were. Also, I love in verse 9, where it warns that we shouldn't risk another offense against the Lord. I think this is one instance where it is not easier nor better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission. With the Lord, forgiveness can be granted, but Alma is suggesting it is better not to use it on things you can avoid rather than waste it on things that could have been omitted; particularily when going against doctrinal issues. We know that we cannot be changed from sin to happiness just because of the resurrection. Its purpose is to restore us, not to purify.

Even in dealing with the resurrection, the scriptures teach us about 'paying it forward.' At the very end of chapter 41, it states, "For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again." It makes the connection that through this law, the sinner is more condemned than the person who strives to do good.

Alma 41:13-14 Resurrection, the scriptures here state, is basically equivalent to restoration. Restoring the body and the spirit to one another after the waiting period after death. So what you were on earth, will be restored in full swing. And then in the following verse it discusses how it is to be done; giving specific instructions.