Such as have believed in God and in His signs are indeed the followers of truth and shall abide in the gardens of delight, while those who have disbelieved in God and have rejected that which He hath revealed, these shall be the inmates of the fire wherein they shall remain forever.20 The Bab (3:16)

And the smoke of their torment goes up for ever and ever. Revelation 14:11 (3:17)

The word "forever" transcends human understanding, yet we should constantly ponder its meaning, for that is the most significant aspect of our nature. Every thoughtful person should ponder the meaning and implications of this most critical word. (3:18)

Ages and eons must pass to regain the lost blessings and honors that can be ours even in a twinkling of an eye. The possibilities for spiritual advancement here are infinite. While on the earthly plane, it takes only a moment to decide to step from the darkness of denial into the light of hope and faith. Eternal joy is only one step away from eternal grief and sorrow: (3:19)

O SON OF LOVE!
>Thou art but one step away from the glorious heights above and from the celestial tree of love. Take thou one pace and with the next advance into the immortal realm and enter the pavilion of eternity. Give ear then to that which hath been revealed by the pen of glory.21 (3:20)

Every intelligent person should ask this question: Is it worth risking an eternity for a little negligence or inattention? Is it wise to ignore God's numerous warnings for trivial reasons or excuses such as: "I am too busy," "I am not interested," or "I am happy with what I have"? (3:21)

It is hard to imagine an act that would require so little effort and yet offer so much reward. It is hard to think of an act that would result from so little negligence and yet lead to such dire consequences. (3:22)

This prayer should ascend from our hearts to Heaven on every moment of our lives: (3:23)

All that I beg of Thee, O my God, is to enable me, ere my soul departeth from my body, to attain Thy good-pleasure, even were it granted to me for a moment tinier than the infinitesimal fraction of a mustard seed. For if it departeth while Thou art pleased with me, then I shall be free from every concern or anxiety; but if it abandoneth me while Thou art displeased with me, then, even had I wrought every good deed, none would be of any avail, and had I earned every honor and glory, none would serve to exalt me.22 The Bab (3:24)

Get Next Page