- We don’t live in God’s presence as Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden (D&C 29:41). Our contact with Him is primarily through the Holy Ghost.
- Because of our sins, we are unworthy to live in His presence eternally. “No unclean thing can dwell with God” (1 Nephi 10:21).
We will all overcome spiritual death in one sense: because of the Atonement, we will all be brought back into the presence of God to be judged (Alma 42:23). However, because of our sins, we may not yet be prepared to overcome spiritual death permanently. We need time to prepare. That’s why God placed “cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the tree of life” (Alma 42:2). He wanted to prevent Adam and Eve from being restored immediately to His presence, before they were ready. This mortal life became both a test (a probationary state) and a time to mature and grow (a preparatory state). If we use this time wisely, if we choose to repent and to “partake of the waters of life” (Alma 42:27), then our restoration to the presence of God will result in our overcoming spiritual death permanently, and we will be able to dwell in His presence forever.
Today, I will use my time of preparation wisely. I will ask Heavenly Father to help me know what I need to do differently. I will repent and improve. I will reach out to Him and seek to lessen my separation from Him, so that when I am restored to His presence, I will be able to stay.
Book of Mormon Study Notes 