Beyond the Cube: The Already-Present Kingdom

How often do we chase after a perceived 'heaven' – a future reward, a grand escape from earthly trials – while overlooking the reality of the Kingdom already at hand? Jase Robertson, in his characteristic style, cuts through the pervasive cultural narrative of a spaceship rescue and a far-off paradise to remind us of a foundational truth: being with the Lord is the essence of the experience. And that experience, that presence, isn't relegated to a post-mortal existence.

The promise to the thief on the cross – “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43) – isn't a mere theological footnote. It’s a glimpse into the nature of true fellowship with Christ. It's a declaration that the divine presence isn't something we attain after a series of trials and tribulations; it’s a reality we can partake of now, even amidst suffering.

Consider the experiences of those described in the transcript – Stephen’s vision, the profound peace of sleep in times of persecution. These aren’t necessarily glimpses of a distant, physical location. They are, rather, moments when the veil is momentarily lifted, allowing us to taste the already-present Kingdom. The Spirit, as a conduit to that Kingdom, is available to us *always*, not just in moments of intense spiritual emotion.

The fascination with elaborate cosmological narratives – the 'cube,' the 'Borg,' the fantastical journeys into uncharted space – speaks to a deep longing for something beyond the mundane. But it also reveals a potential misunderstanding of the Restoration. The prophets have consistently taught that the true treasures of the gospel aren’t found in speculative theories about the cosmos, but in covenant keeping, temple worship, and a dedication to building Zion. As the Savior taught, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation” (Luke 17:20). It is not a spectacle to be sought, but a reality to be cultivated within the heart.

Think of the temple ordinances—the washing and anointing, the endowment, the sealing—these are not mere rituals; they are portals to that already-present Kingdom. They provide access to divine power and understanding that transcends the limitations of our earthly existence. Similarly, the priesthood, properly administered, is a means of accessing that same divine presence and acting as agents in God's work. D&C 45 emphasizes the power and authority of priesthood, and the responsibility that comes with it to represent Christ's love and power in the world.

The proliferation of speculative theories often stems from a desire to simplify the incomprehensible, to create a digestible narrative for a world hungry for certainty. But the gospel is not a system to be neatly packaged and easily understood. It is a journey of faith, a continual unfolding of truth guided by the Spirit. To truly grasp the nature of paradise is to recognize that it isn’t a destination, but a relationship—a constant abiding in the presence of the Lord.

Let us be wary of chasing after shadows and instead focus our efforts on cultivating the virtues that draw us closer to Christ—faith, hope, charity, and a steadfast commitment to the covenants we have made. The Kingdom is already here; let us strive to recognize it, participate in it, and become instruments in its expansion.

Consider Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s counsel: “The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a puzzle to be solved, but a life to be lived.” Let us live it fully, embracing the already-present blessings of the gospel and focusing on the work before us.