Jacob makes a direct appeal to all Israelites who read these words. He beseeches them with words of soberness to repent and come with full purpose of heart and cleave unto God as he cleaves unto them. He points out that while they have the light of day in this life to partake of the mercy of God, they must not harden their hearts. For if they do, they will pass into the next life and partake of the darkness which engulfs all those who had an opportunity to accept the gospel, but rejected it. The highest degree of glory such people can attain is the terrestrial kingdom. By rejecting the gospel in this life they forfeit the celestial kingdom.4 Therefore Jacob says they should make their commitment today, for otherwise they will perish spiritually. He asks them bluntly, "Why will ye die and be separated from the Father forever?"