The Nature of Condemnation

[Matthew0059]

What is the result of being in continued condemnation?

Through various scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants, we learn that condemnation comes from rejecting "light" (D&C 82:3, D&C 93:32); that "light" is the Light of Truth (D&C 84:45); that those who "receive not" Light (those who are under condemnation) lose even the Light (Truth) that they have already received (JST Mark 4:25, D&C 60:3, D&C 43:10).

Therefore, we see that the longer a being remains under condemnation, the more Light is taken from said being until there is no Light left within that being- unless that being repents.

Is this an accurate understanding of the doctrine? If it is flawed, where?

[annewandering]

Sounds good to me. Only thing is while a person can always repent, will they if they have no light left? Would they even try?

I bet even now God would take satan up on repenting if he was willing to do it, honestly. satan wont because he has no light left in him but that would be cool.

Oh one thought. I think its more accurate to say the light is pushed away not taken away? God is always there but we dont chose to see Him kind of idea.

[JudoMinja]

Sounds right to me. And I think I've personally been through this. Probably everyone who has trod the slippery path of serious sin has been through a degree of this "loss of light". It starts with the tiniest things, and then it festers and grows. Only when I went through the process of repentance did I come to understand just how much "light" I had lost. I could literally feel the difference throughout my whole being.

[Seminarysnoozer]

What is the result of being in continued condemnation?

Through various scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants, we learn that condemnation comes from rejecting "light" (D&C 82:3, D&C 93:32); that "light" is the Light of Truth (D&C 84:45); that those who "receive not" Light (those who are under condemnation) lose even the Light (Truth) that they have already received (JST Mark 4:25, D&C 60:3, D&C 43:10).

Therefore, we see that the longer a being remains under condemnation, the more Light is taken from said being until there is no Light left within that being- unless that being repents.

Is this an accurate understanding of the doctrine? If it is flawed, where?

Yes, this is right.

Don’t forget Zechariah 11:17 “ 17 Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.”

…and Matthew 5:29, and 30. “ 29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.”

These scriptures deal a little more specifically with “light” as it talks about obscuration of the right eye, darkening of the right eye. The ‘right eye’ symbolizes ones ability to recognize evil. So if it is obscured, light is not getting in, then the person will eventually perish through their progressive darkening of their ability to see the light or recognize what is truly evil, not calling something that is really evil, evil any longer. It is better to pluck the eye out if it is obscured and one cannot distinguish good from evil. The right arm signifies the power of truth or the ability to deal with the evil. It becomes dried up or weaker over time if one is lazy about it and doesn’t constantly strengthen one’s skills to deal with evil. I think this is the same process of “hardening of the heart”. There are many symbols to represent this process. This represents our internal battle between the corrupted body and our spirit. Do we follow the passions of the body more than the spirit? If we do then we will be rejecting the light to follow the darkness.

Edited October 11, 2011 by Seminarysnoozer

[Matthew0059]

Now, how does this work on a larger scale? For example, Laman and Lemuel were condemned for their wickedness- and they brought their entire posterity with them. Their wicked influence was so great that, to this day, the unbelieving remnants of Lehi's posterity are called "Lamanites".

Can an entire group of people be condemned for the action of a single generation? If so, how does that condemnation work, and how would individuals remove themselves from inheriting such a condemnation?