1 Nephi 15:33-35

Here is proof that tomorrow may never come, and that putting things off until then may never get done by then or at all. : )

In verse 33, Nephi mentions some very deep doctrine. Continuing from verse 32, Nephi says that there will be a time when men are judged according to their works while in the temporal body. This means here on earth, we will be judged for the things that we do here. In the latter part of verse 33, Nephi testifies that if their works were filthiness the person must be filthy and they cannot dwell in the kingdom of God (or be saved) because then the kingdom of God will be filthy, and this cannot be. So, this is an action by the person's choice. Not everyone will be saved. In verse 35, Nephi states that God has prepared a place for them that do not choose to follow the commandments. This verse also mentions that this place is prepared for the final state of the souls of those that do not follow the commandments.

There is a time given to all men to prepare to meet God. The cross-reference from 1 Nephi 15:33a points to Mosiah 15:26. It says that those, "that have wilfully rebelled against God, that have known the commandments of God, and would not keep them; these are they that have no part in the first resurrection." This means that there is a level of knowledge that has to be gained before their judgement comes to pass. They have to know the commandments of God and not keep them. I believe that there are many that do not develop a full knowledge of the commandments of God here on the earth. We believe that they are learning these things or have a chance to learn them in the hereafter. Then they will have a chance to accept the knowledge and obey the commandments or reject it. If they reject it, then I believe they are likely to fall into the category of being cast out. However, I want to say that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are the judges of this. We cannot say for sure who will or will not be saved. Heavenly Father has laid down the law (given the commandments) and Jesus had made the atonement (interceding for us to offset the law and allow us to be save if we repent). What an amazing thing.

I know that we will be blessed if we accept the commandments and follow them as best we can here in our mortal existence. Just like gaining every bit of knowledge we can here on the earth before we die (see Doctrine and Covenants 130:18-19), so it will be better for us in the life to come the more we obey the commandments here and now.