"Forever"

"Forever" is a pretty common word in the Book of Mormon. It shows up 99 times in a variety of contexts. Most commonly, "forever" connects to a statement about the state of the soul, either in a positive context or a negative one. I see this word as a reminder that the choices we make in this life have consequences that reach far beyond mortality.

Other contexts are also interesting, including the unchanging nature of God, the promised land, and Adam and Eve.

The Negative Context

Satan wants us to be miserable like he is. 

• "And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind." (2 Nephi 2:18)
• "[the devil] leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever." (2 Nephi 26:22)

Sin leads to destruction

• "...except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God." (Mosiah 4:17)

The guilt of the wicked lasts forever

• Then is the time when their torments shall be as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever; and then is the time that they shall be chained down to an everlasting destruction, according to the power and captivity of Satan, he having subjected them according to his will. (Alma 12:17)

See also Mosiah 2:38, Mosiah 3:27

The Positive Context

Eternal blessings

• "because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever;" (Helaman 10:5)
• "The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever." (Alma 37:46)

See also Alma 28:7.

Timelessness of the Order of God

• "Thus they become high priests forever, after the order of the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, who is without beginning of days or end of years, who is full of grace, equity, and truth." (Alma 13:9. See also verse 14.)
• "... these twelve ministers ... are righteous forever; for because of their faith in the Lamb of God their garments are made white in his blood." (1 Nephi 12:10)

See also Mosiah 15:17.

Praise Him forever

• "Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever." (Alma 26:16. See also verses 12 and 14.)
• " ... yea, and how blessed are they, for they shall sing to his praise forever." (Mosiah 18:30)
• "Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation." (2 Nephi 4:30)

Man was created to keep the commandments and glorify God. 

• "And all flesh is of the dust; and for the selfsame end hath he created them, that they should keep his commandments and glorify him forever." (Jacob 2:21)

Godly attributes

• Charity endureth forever. Mormon invites believers: "Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail-- But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him." (Moroni 7:46-47)
• May grace abide forever. Moroni offers this invitation: " And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever." (Ether 12:41. See also Moroni 9:26)
• May Christ's mercy and hope lift you up and rest in your mind forever. Mormon: "My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever." (Moroni 9:25)

Other Contexts

God is unchanging

• "his ways are righteousness forever." (2 Nephi 1:19)
• "the Spirit is the same, yesterday, today, and forever." (2 Nephi 2:4)
• "I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever..." (2 Nephi 27:23)

See also 2 Nephi 29:9.

Warning/promise about the purpose of the promised land

• "...if the Gentiles shall hearken unto the Lamb of God in that day ... And harden not their hearts against the Lamb of God, ... they shall be a blessed people upon the promised land forever..." (1 Nephi 14:1-2)
• "Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever ... " (2 Nephi 1:5. See verses 7, 9, and 31.)
• "And may the Lord consecrate also unto thee this land, ... for thy security forever, if it so be that ye shall keep the commandments of the Holy One of Israel." (2 Nephi 3:2)
• cursed be the land forever and ever unto those workers of darkness and secret combinations, (Alma 37:31)

See also 2 Nephi 10:19.

Adam and Eve

• "Mercy could have claim on them no more forever." (Mosiah 3:26)
• "Live forever" Alma 12:21 (See also Alma 42:2, 5.)
• "Forever miserable" Alma 12:26. (See also 2 Nephi 2:5, 18)
• "Lost forever" Alma 42:6
• "Consigned ... forever to be cut off from his presence." Alma 42:14)