We have reason to praise Him forever

Alma 26:14-15 "Yea, we have reason to praise him forever, for he is the Most High God, and has loosed our brethren from the chains of hell. Yea, they were encircled about with everlasting darkness and destruction; but behold, he has brought them into his everlasting light, yea, into everlasting salvation; and they are encircled about with the matchless bounty of his love;"  

I was thinking this morning about death and resurrection and salvation and becoming heirs in a kingdom of glory. 

I was thinking, sometimes we like to speculate who will go to which kingdom. One time, I was serving in the temple Baptistry, and during a slow time, some of my fellow temple workers were talking about the evil people of the world, and that they would be condemned. That didn't sit well with me. Wasn't the Atonement infinite? Should it not then extend to them if they wanted it? Who can judge the heart of man except God? As I sat pondering this, the impression came to me: "There will always be forgiveness for those who seek it". Always. "...he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding: he comrehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name." (Alma 26:35)  

Sometimes I think we want to see people punished for the wrongs they have done. It appeals to our sense of justice, and to see people forgiven seems to take away that justice. But remember, "God breaketh the bands of death, having gained victory over death; giving the Son power to make intercession for the children of men-- Having ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them and justice, having broken the bands of death, taken upon himself their iniquity and their transgression, having redeemed them, and satisfied the demands of justice." (Mosiah 15:9)  

If God can forgive you your trespasses, and forgive the Lamanites their sins, for which mercy Ammon rejoices, can he not forgive everyone? It is an infinite atonement after all. Does it not then extent to everyone, everywhere? It does. The mercy of God, the gift of His salvation is offered to anyone who will take it. All the time, everywhere. Mosiah 26:30 "Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me."

Jesus Christ already paid the price for our sins. He already redeemed us. He does not deny anyone who will take his gift. Forgiveness will always be available for those who seek it.

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