Alma 42

Alma 42

Have you ever wondered how God can extend mercy and demand justice at the same time? Often those two qualities can seem contradictory. Alma explains this complicated but beautiful principle to his son, Corianton.

13… Now the work of justice could not be destroyed; if so, God would cease to be God.

15 And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore [Christ] atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.

The answer is a mediator between us and God—His Son Jesus Christ—who would pay our debts for us if we agree to accept Him as our new “creditor” and follow His terms. The primary term the Savior requires is repentance.

 13 Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance of men in this probationary state, yea, this preparatory state; for except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of justice.

Those who will accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and repent of their sins allow God to be both merciful and just at the same time. God extends mercy and forgiveness because Jesus Christ has paid for their sins and pleads on their behalf. Justice is still served because someone—Jesus Christ—paid the price for the sins of those who meet his terms of repentance and faithfulness. What a beautiful, brilliant, and hopeful plan!

Corianton is bothered by the idea of justice. Why does anyone have to receive punishment for their sins, anyway? How could a loving God do that? Well, Alma explains this concept, too. God gave us laws—we all understand the value and purpose of laws. And what good is a law that isn't enforced?

 17 …How could there be a law save there was a punishment?

 20 And also, if there was no law given against sin men would not be afraid to sin.

22 But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth; otherwise, justice claimeth the creature and executeth the law, and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and God would cease to be God.

 23 But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement…

 24 For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved.

 25 What, do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say unto you, Nay; not one whit. If so, God would cease to be God.

Jesus Christ has already paid the price. He stands waiting and wanting to help me receive mercy from God. It is my choice whether I will follow Him and repent of my sins in order to qualify for this mercy that is so generously extended toward me. It’s my choice.

27 Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to come; but in the last day it shall be restored unto him according to his deeds.