Alma 41

Summary: In the resurrection men come forth to a state of endless happiness or endless misery—Wickedness never was happiness—Carnal men are without God in the world—Every person receives again in the restoration the characteristics and attributes acquired in mortality. About 73 B.C.

This chapter is full of some incredible doctrine! Our goal should be to obtain
this "endless happiness." Just thinking about the joy that awaits us on the other side fills my heart with peace. All of our sufferings and efforts to endure will be rewarded in the next life with happiness we cannot fathom. I have no doubt that we can all look forward to being "raised to endless happiness to inherit the kingdom of God" (4). When I ponder on this concept, I can't help but feel how incredible the eternal nature of this life is. We have some wonderful things promised to us if we continue in righteousness throughout this life.

I love how perfectly the word "restoration" is described in this chapter:
12 And now behold, is the meaning of the word restoration to take a thing of a natural state and place it in an unnatural state, or to place it in a state opposite to its nature?
13 O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish—good for that which is good; righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful.
Where there are so many people attempting to interpret the Bible and twist it to fit their beliefs and desires, this scripture is perfectly clear. We are left with no doubt as to what state we will be in in the next life. Knowing that gives me the motivation to try harder to stay on the path of righteousness. It is up to me to determine what my reward will be in the next life, so I hope I can make the best of my life here.

This chapter also makes me think of the importance of the gift of agency.
8 Now, the decrees of God are unalterable; therefore, the way is prepared that whosoever will may walk therein and be saved.
The Lord has prepared the way, and we must choose to follow that path. He has set the rules, so to speak, and He cannot change them, regardless of what we must decide. So we must take this knowledge and use it to stay on the path of righteousness. The Lord has given us so many incredible gifts to help us through this life. We are so blessed to be a part of this Gospel and know what we know. We need to use these gifts wisely.