Alma 40:1-5

1  NOW my son, here is somewhat more I would say unto thee; for I perceive that thy mind is worried concerning the resurrection of the dead.
2  Behold, I say unto you, that there is no resurrection—or, I would say, in other words, that this mortal does not put on immorality, this corruption does not put on incorruption—until after the coming of Christ.
3  Behold, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead.  But behold, my son, the resurrection is not yet.  Now, I unfold unto you a mystery; nevertheless, there are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself.  But I show unto you one thing which I have inquired diligently of God that I might know—that is concerning the resurrection.

Alma 40:1-3 (Emphasis mine)

There is now a shift in topic.  Alma(2) begins to discuss the resurrection.

The first point he makes is that there will be no resurrection until after the coming of Christ. 

Isaiah wrote:

8  He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces...

Isaiah 25:8 (Emphasis mine)

Hosea wrote:

14  I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death

Hosea 13:14 (Emphasis mine)

This is a concept that was known and taught by other prophets.  Somewhere along the line, Corianton missed the message.

Then, Alma(2) makes an intriguing statement "there are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself..." (v3).  There are things that the  "Lord  GOD" will not reveal to man.  No one, "save God himself" will know these things.  I can't help but wonder what these mysteries are.  I guess, in the words of an institute teacher I had, that will  have to be one of the questions that I will ask when I get on the other side.  I sure hope there will be some answers!

4  Behold, there is a time appointed that all shall come forth from the dead.  Now when this time cometh no one knows; but God knoweth the time which is appointed.
5  Now, whether there shall be one time, or a second time, or a third time, that men shall come forth from the dead, it mattereth not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the case—that there is a time appointed that all shall rise from the dead.

Alma 40:4-5 (Emphasis mine)

Alma(2) shares one of the mysteries - only God knows when all shall be resurrected.  No one, save God, knows this.  

Mormon didn't record Corianton's concerns, so we have to piece things together reading Alma(2)'s response.  Reading the scriptures to this point, I feel he had the following questions/concerns:

1. Is there going to be a resurrection?  I think he had doubts about this.(v1)
2. If there is, when will it happen? (v4)
3. How many times will people be raised from the dead? (v5)

Questions #1 & #2 were answered.  Alma(2) testifies there is going to be a resurrection for all men.  No one knows when, save it be God.

From my perspective, I think Corianton is getting caught up in the little, unimportant stuff.  Alma(2) makes it clear that, not only doesn't he know, but it doesn't matter.  Alma(2) is satisfied to know that there is going to be a resurrection from the dead.  That's all that matters to him.  Everything else is small stuff.

All too frequently, we get caught up in the small stuff.  These things become important to us and we spend too much time worrying about them.  

I'd like to share an experience that I had in a ward  in which I lived.  In the late 1980's, there was a guy that was going around and telling people he knew when the Second Coming would occur.  It would occur sometime during 1989.  (I can't remember if he gave an exact date, but it doesn't matter).  

There was a group in our Ward who really got caught up in this nonsense.  Their entire life was planned around the Second Coming.  For example, they didn't bother to celebrate Christmas 1988.  Why?  Because the Second Coming would occur next year.  Their lives became consumed by this.  Everything they did was based on the Second Coming.  

Obviously, 1989 came and went and there was no Second Coming.  What surprised me most was a conversation I had with a member of our Ward.  I always looked on him as Mr. Stalwart Faithful Member.  He was a member of the stake presidency and had a powerful testimony of the Church.  During the conversation, we talked about this topic.  During the conversation, he looked embarrassed  and said that "a lot of us" got caught up in this.  I was shocked that he had been caught up in this.  I was made clear that no one is immune to getting caught up in things that don't matter.

 

God has not, and will not, reveal all things.  What should matter to us is that God has revealed to us the most important things pertaining to our salvation.  This is what should matter.  Alma(2) was trying to tell Corianton to stop sweating the small stuff and remember what matters. It doesn't matter when the resurrection will occur.  It doesn't matter if there's one, two, or three occurrences.  What matters is that there is going to be a resurrection of the dead.  What matters is that God reveals his words to the prophets.  What matters is that we have records that contain God's words to man.  

These are the things that should matter in our lives; nothing else should.  Thanks be to Alma(2) for these wise words.

Alma 39:12-

12  And now the Spirit of the Lord doth say unto me: Command thy children to do good, lest they lead away the hearts of many people to destruction; therefore I command you, my son, in the fear of God, that ye refrain from your iniquities;
13  That ye turn to the Lord with all your mind, might, and strength; that ye lead away the hearts of no more to do wickedly; but rather return unto them, and acknowledge your faults and that wrong which ye have done.

14  Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world; for behold, you cannot carry them with you.

Alma 39:12-14 (Emphasis mine)

Alma(2) tells Corianton that, as his father, it is his responsibility to teach the gospel to his children and to call them to repent when they turn away from those teachings.   He does this very straight forwardly - "...I command you, my son, in the fear of God, that ye refrain from your iniquities;"  (v12)  He wanted to be sure that there was no misunderstanding on Corianton's part.  He needed to know that he sinned and it was time to "... acknowledge [his] faults and that wrong which [he] had done."  (v14)

John wrote about this about the Savior:

42  ¶ Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
43  For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

John 12:42-43 (Emphasis mine)

Corianton apparently valued the attention he received form others.  As with the Pharisees, he was more interested in the "praise of men" than serving God and following the counsel of his father.

Paul understood this.

10  For do I now persuade men, or God?  or do I seek to please men?  for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10 (Emphasis mine)

4  But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

1 Thessalonians 2:4 (Emphasis mine)

Riches do us no good.  It's the old cliche - "You can't take it with you."  The only things that matter are the things that are eternal..

33  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 6:33 Emphasis mine)

15  And now, my son, I would say somewhat unto you concerning the coming of Christ.  Behold, I say unto you, that it is he that surely shall come to take away the sins of the world; yea, he cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people.
16  And now, my son, this was the ministry unto which ye were called, to declare these glad tidings unto this people, to prepare their minds; or rather that salvation might come unto them, that they may prepare the minds of their children to hear the word at the time of his coming.

Alma 39:14-16 (Emphasis mine)

Alma(2) testifies of Christ and his mission to "...take away the sins of the world..." (v15) This was his mission.  This was his calling.  It was his responsibility to preach the gospel of Christ and prepare their children for that day when He came. 

11  For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

Matthew 18:11

17  And now I will ease your mind somewhat on this subject.  Behold, you marvel why these things should be known so long beforehand.  Behold, I say unto you, is not a soul at this time as precious unto God as a soul will be at the time of his coming?
18  Is it not as necessary that the plan of redemption should be made known unto this people as well as unto their children?
19  Is it not as easy at this time for the Lord to send his angel to declare these glad tidings unto us as unto our children, or as after the time of his coming?

Alma 39:17-19 (Emphasis mine)

Once again, Corianton shows a lack of understanding of the gospel.  He cannot comprehend the fact that his father is able to teach things things "...so long beforehand." (v17)  He can't comprehend the fact that the Lord would speak to his father. 

I love Alma(2)'s words.  Why shouldn't we know this?  :Are we not as important to the Lord as those who will be living at the time of His coming?  Why wouldn't we know this?

The Lord loves us all, regardless of the time we live.  We have a prophet and inspired leaders, men and women called of God, to teach us and remind us that we are His children, and he loves us.  He gives us his word today just as he has through all time.  

Looking at the words of Alma(2), I can't understand why there are those who think we would be ignored today.  I'm so gratefully that I know His love for me is no different than it is for all of his children.

Alma 39:1-11

After I finished discussing Alma 42, I thought it would be nice to look at the entire epistle of Alma(2) to his son.  So, starting with this post, I'll look at Alma 39-41.

1  AND now, my son, I have somewhat more to say unto thee than what I said unto thy brother; for behold, have ye not observed the steadiness of thy brother, his faithfulness, and his diligence in keeping the commandments of God?  Behold, has he not set a good example for thee?
2  For thou didst not give so much heed unto my words as did thy brother, among the people of the Zoramites.  Now this is what I have against thee; thou didst go on unto boasting in thy strength and thy wisdom.
3  And this is not all, my son.  Thou didst do that which was grievous unto me; for thou didst forsake the ministry, and did go over into the land of Siron among the borders of the Lamanites, after the harlot Isabel.
4  Yea, she did steal away the hearts of many; but this was no excuse for thee, my son.  Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted.
5  Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?

Alma 39:1-5 (Emphasis mine)

As I discussed in previous posts, Corianton "didst forsake the ministry" (v3) and consorted with a Lamanite harlot.  His actions were detrimental to the missionary efforts to the Zoramites. This is why Alma(2) had much more to say to Corianton than he did his other sons.

Corianton was a proud and arrogant man.  He "didst go on unto boasting in [his] strength and [his] wisdom." (v2)  Alma(2) felt his word had to leave no doubt in Corianton's mind the seriousness of his offenses.  This is obvious in Alma(2)'s harsh  words.

6  For behold, if ye deny the Holy Ghost when it once has had place in you, and ye know that ye deny it, behold, this is a sin which is unpardonable; yea, and whosoever murdereth against the light and knowledge of God, it is not easy for him to obtain forgiveness; yea, I say unto you, my son, that it is not easy for him to obtain a forgiveness.
7  And now, my son, I would to God that ye had not been guilty of so great a crime.  I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good.
8  But behold, ye cannot hide your crimes from God; and except ye repent they will stand as a testimony against you at the last day.

Alma 39:6-8 (Emphasis mine)

Alma(2) wanted Corianton to understand just how serious his offense was.  He did this by letting him know that his sins were almost as serious as knowingly denying the Holy Ghost (the unpardonable sin) or murder.  Why does he do this?  He did this to "cultivate" a sense of sorrow and regret for his own good.

I really like verse 8 - "...ye cannot hide your crimes from God ... they will stand as a testimony  against you ..."  Alma(2) likens sin to crimes.  This lets Corianton (and us as well) know just how serious God views sin.  Crimes is a far stronger word than sin.  Crimes emphasizes the true seriousness of sin in the eyes  of God.

It is also just that our own actions will "stand as a testimony against" us when the day comes we stand for Christ.  Our actions are the only things will will  testify  against.  No one else is to blame but ourselves.

9  Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross yourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.  Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and cross yourself in these things.
10  And I command you to take it upon you to counsel with your elder brothers in your undertakings; for behold, thou art in thy youth, and ye stand in need to be nourished by your brothers.  And give heed to their counsel.
11  Suffer not yourself to be led away by any vain or foolish thing; suffer not the devil to lead away your heart again after those wicked harlots.   Behold, O my son, how great iniquity ye brought upon the Zoramites; for when they saw your conduct they would not believe in my words.

Alma 39:9-11 (Emphasis mine)

I had not noticed the words "cross yourself in all things" in previous readings.  I had no idea what Alma(2) meant by this phrase.  As I looked at footnotes, I found an explanation.  The footnote for the second reference that Corinaton should "cross [himself] in all things..." I found the following scriptural reference:

30  For it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into hell.

3 Nephi 12:30 (Emphasis mine)

There was a footnote for "cross"  in verse 30.  Here we have even further clarifications.

38  And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Matthew 10:38 (Emphasis mine)

24  ¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

Matthew 16:24 (See also Luke 9:23) (Emphasis mine)

27  And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:27 (Emphasis mine)

18  But, behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have believed in the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world, and their joy shall be full forever.

2 Nephi 9:18 (see January 18, 2011 post) (Emphasis mine)

So we see that Alma(2) was telling his son to repent of his sins and to overcome the challenges of the world by following Christ.  Through the atonement, Christ suffered for all sins that had been committed and would be committed in the future.  We are expected to overcome our own sins by following Christ and repenting of our sins. 

He also told him to talk to his older brothers.  (It seems Corianton was probably that annoying younger brother at times!)  I like how Alma(2) said that he needed to be "nourished" (v10) by his brothers.  He obviously needed the spiritual and personal maturity Helman and Shiblon would offer him.  We should remember that the Lord has blessed and surrounded us with people who can give us "nourishment" we need as we travel along the path of life.  We can all benefit from these people.  I 've been blessed to have a brother I can turn to in my times of need.  He's helped me when I've had to make major life decisions as well as times when there have been challenges in my life.  Not only do I love him as a brother, I consider him my best friend.  I fully understand why Alma(2) advised his son to turn to his brothers. 

Corianton needed to understand that there were significant consequences above and beyond what he would face because of his sins.  His sins significantly hampered the work of the Lord among the Zoramites.  If his son didn't accept his words, why should they?  He had to understand the full and complete consequences of his sins.

I'm grateful Mormon elected to include the actual epistles instead of summarizing them.  Alma(2)'s words are every bit as important to us today as they were when he wrote them to Corianton.

Alma 42 Summary

As I've been discussing Alma 42, I've come to appreciate Alma(2)'s words even more.  The power of his epistle is a great testimony of the importance of the atonement.

The epistle was written to Corianton after he deserted his missionary companions and consorted with a Lamanite harlot.  (39:3).  He was also an arrogant man as he did "...go on unto boasting in thy strength and thy wisdom."  (39:2 - emphasis mine).  It appears he was a constant problem for Alma(2) while he was preaching to the Zoramites.  The heading to chapter 39 tells us that "Corianton's sins kept the Zoramites from receiving the word."  A major problem child, indeed!

He doesn't understand justice.  He even goes so far as to "excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God..." (42:30 - emphasis mine)  Even today we see those who want to justify their actions.  People say things like.  "God will excuse a little sin.  He understand we're not perfect."  As with Corianton, for may of us, it's easier to rationalize rather then humble ourselves before God.  Even so, Corianton still is concerned despite his denial because Alma(2) eventually wrote "I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more..."  (42:29)

So, Alma(2) preaches the concept of justice and mercy.  We know that God has made laws and assigned punishments for violations of those laws.  In verse 17, Alma(2) writes " How could he sin if there was no law?  How could there be a law save there was a punishment?"  We have a law because " if there was no law given against sin men would not be afraid to sin." (42:20 - emphasis mine).  Because of the Fall, man is cut off from the presence of God (the spiritual death).  We sin and must suffer the affixed punishment.  This justice demand.  

Corianton claims that punishment is an injustice.  He excuses his sin and denies justice.  Alma(2) writes that if God were to ignore the law and punishment, he would cease to be God.  How could God be God if ignores his laws?  He couldn't.  But then Alma(2) tells us that God will not cease to be God  (see 42:13, 22-23).  The demands of justice will be met. 

As I read this, Alma(2) paints a very dark and hopeless picture.  Because we sin, we will have to face justice someday.  We must be punished for our sins.  And, this means we will eternally be cut off from the presence of God.  If this were all he wrote, we would be left with no hope.

But he doesn't leave us with no hope.  He introduces the concept of mercy.  He writes that "...the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself 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."  (42:15 - emphasis mine).  We have our beacon in the darkness.  Mercy can satisfy the demands of justice.  We now have the hope of someday coming back into the presence of God.  we do this through repentance.  We ask for God's forgiveness for our sins.  Through repentance, we accept the atonement and God's loving sacrifice.  

While there are many great and wonderful truths in Alma 42, there is one this is the most important to us.  Alma(2) writes that God is "a merciful God."  (42:15)   He does not want us to be cut off from his presence for all eternity.  He provided a Savior, a perfect and sinless being who would willingly offer himself as a sacrifice.  This sacrifice would meet the demands of justice.  The "plan of mercy" (42:15) is now offered to us.  Even though we sin and violate the laws of God, we can have the full force of mercy stand between us and the demands of justice.  All we have to do is willingly take the opportunity to have mercy become a part of our life. 

I can't even begin to express my appreciation that our Father is a merciful God, who has so much love for us that he has offered us a way to someday enter into his presence.  My eternal thanks to Alma(2) for his great words and teachings that help us understand the eternal love God has for us, his children.

Alma 42:28-31

28  If he has desired to do evil, and has not repented in his days, behold, evil shall be done unto him, according to the restoration of God.
29  And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance.
30  O my son, I desire that ye should deny the justice of God no more.  Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; but do you let the justice of God, and his mercy, and his long-suffering have full sway in your heart; and let it bring you down to the dust in humility.
31  And now, O my son, ye are called of God to preach the word unto this people.  And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bring souls unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon them.  And may God grant unto you even according to my words.  Amen.

Alma 42:28 - 31 (Emphasis mine)

Alma(2) emphasizes that if a person desires and chooses to do evil, that is what he will get in return.

Choice has been a major theme throughout Alma(2)'s epistle.  He emphasizes that God does not force man to be evil (nor righteous  for that matter).  We all have choices to make.  What we reap  is based on the choices we freely make throughout our lifetime.  The beauty of this is that a way has been provided to us to obtain mercy and return to the presence of God. 

Alma(2) concludes his epistle calling upon Corianton to repent, to cease to "deny the justice of God."  The time had come for Corianton to humble himself before God and to "let the justice of God, and his mercy .. have full sway in your heart..."  (v30).  Now was the time for him to repent of his sin.  

Alma(2) calls upon Corianton to continue his work, calling the people  to repentance so that the "plan of mercy may have claim upon them."  (v31)

Paul wrote:

8  For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
9  Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
10  For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 

2 Corinthians 7:8-10 (Emphasis mine)

Paul reinforces Alma(2)'s words about repentance.  We must humble ourselves before God.  But being sorry isn't enough.  We must have a "godly" sorrow.  

James wrote:

8  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.  Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
9  Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

James 4:8 - 10 (Emphasis mine)

Once again, we see the call to "humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord..."  (v 10)  To truly repent, we must feel the sorrow deep in our soul.  We must ache for this sins we have committed.  We must want to obtain the forgiveness and mercy of God with all our soul.  Again, just being sorry isn't enough.

How important is humility? The scriptures tell us:

8  He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Micah 6:8

7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians 2:7 - 8

5  Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder.  Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

1 Peter 5:5

(Emphasis in scriptures mine.)

Even the Son of God humbled himself.  In Peter's words, he was "clothed with humility."  What should that teach us?  

Talking about Christ's baptism, Nephi wrote:

5  And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!

2 Nephi 31:5 (Emphasis mine)

Paraphrasing Nephi, if the Lamb of God have need to humble himself, how much more need have we to humble ourselves?  

Through the atonement, we have the promise that, if we truly humble ourselves, feel great and deep sorrow for our sins, and ask forgiveness of God, we will be able to partake of the mercies offered to us by a merciful God.

It doesn't get any better than this.

Alma 42:24-27

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.
26  And thus God bringeth about his great and eternal purposes, which were prepared from the foundation of the world.  And thus cometh about the salvation and the redemption of men, and also their destruction and misery.

Alma 42:24-26 (Emphasis mine)

Alma 42:22-23 teaches us that, through the atonement of God, and through repentance, mercy can meet the demands of justice and we may be redeemed.

Alma(2) continues by telling us that while "mercy claimeth all which is her own" only the "truly penitent are saved.  Merely repenting is not enough.  We must be "truly penitent." (emphasis mine).  That does not mean that "mercy can rob justice ... Nay; not one whit."  The demands of justice must be met.  But they are met by God's "great and eternal purposes, which were prepared from the foundation of the world."  From the beginning, God prepared a way for man to obtain "salvation and the redemption of men..."  This was the way God prepared so that "mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement."  (v23) (Emphasis mine).

Peter wrote:

2  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

2 Peter 1:2 - 4 (Emphasis mine)

We live in a corrupt world.  Sin is an every day part of our world,  Peter tells us that through the atonement, we are able to "[escape] the corruption that is in the world..." (v4) by and through the teachings of Christ that "pertain unto life and godliness..." (v3).

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.

Alma 42:27 (Emphasis mine)

Alma(2) tells Corianton that we have a choice.  We can "partake of the living waters of life freely" or we can choose to not partake.  Whichever choice we make will be "restored unto [us] according to [our] deeds."  Whether we are saved and return to the presence of God because we accept the mercy God offers us through the atonement or whether we remain in our spiritual fallen state and face justice and become  eternally cut off from God is our choice.  God will not force us.  We can either partake of mercy  or face justice.  It's our choice.

Alma 42:22-23

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; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.

Alma 42:22 - 23 (Emphasis mine)

Alma(2) painted a very bleak picture when he discussed the demands of justice.  The demands of justice must be met.  Were they not, then "God would cease to be God."  

But now, the rules have changed.  Alma(2) wrote that "there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth;"  Mercy now must be considered.  When man repents, and God grants forgiveness, mercy now makes its claim on the person.  Mercy can make its claim because "mercy cometh because of the atonement..."  

Because of the atonement, the demands of justice are met through mercy.  We can now, someday, be "...restored into his presence..."  Through the Fall, we suffered both a spiritual and physical death.  We were cut off from God.  Through the atonement, we can someday overcome the spiritual death and enter the presence of God.  And, physical death is also conquered.  This is done because "...the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead..."  Death is conquered.  We will live again.  We can be restored back to the presence of God.

The Psalmist tells us that "But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him..."  Psalms 103:17 (Emphasis mine).

Peter wrote...

"3  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4  To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

1 Peter 1:3 - 4 (Emphasis mine)

Alma(2) teaches us that God is a merciful God.  Through the atonement, God established mercy.  Mercy is able to meet the demands of justice.  And, it is possible to someday accept the inheritance that is "reserved in heaven for [us]..."

Alma 42:15-21

15  And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself 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.

Alma 42:15 (Emphasis mine)

Alma(2) emphasized how the demands of justice must be met.  Now Alma(2) formally introduces the concept of mercy.  How is the plan of mercy to be brought about?  There must be an atonement. 

I'd like to look at the etymology of the word.  

According to the Online Etymology Dictionary,  atone comes from the "1550s, from adv. phrase atonen (c.1300) 'in accord,' lit. 'at one,' a contraction of at and one. It retains the older pronunciation of one. The phrase perhaps is modeled on L. adunare 'unite,' from ad- 'to, at' + unum "'ne.'"   So, atone comes from words meaning "at one" or "unite."  

Now, we move to atonement.  According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, atonement is from the "1510s, 'condition of being at one (with others)', from atone + -ment. Meaning 'reconciliation' (especially of sinners with God) is from 1520s."  

Further, according to the Oxford DIctionary, "1533 Q. Cath. Parr Erasm. Comm. Crede 162 To reconcile hymselfe and make an onement with god [sic].1599 Bp. Hall Sat. iii. vii. 69 Which never can be set at onement more.1555 Fardle Facions ii. xii. 298 The redempcion, reconciliacion, and at onement of mankinde with God the father.]"  (Quote accessed at The etymology of “Atonement”  (accessed 2/8/2011).

Through the atonement, we not only "unite" with God, but we reconcile our sins with God and are redeemed by God.  

Alma(2) tells us the "God himself anotneth" for our sins.  Because "God himself atoneth," the plan of mercy will "appease" the demands of justice.  The makes God a just and merciful God.

16  Now, repentance could not come unto men except there were a punishment, which also was eternal as the life of the soul should be, affixed opposite to the plan of happiness, which was as eternal also as the life of the soul.

17  Now, how could a man repent except he should sin?  How could he sin if there was no law?  How could there be a law save there was a punishment?
18  Now, there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man.
19  Now, if there was no law given—if a man murdered he should die—would he be afraid he would die if he should murder?
20  And also, if there was no law given against sin men would not be afraid to sin.
21  And if there was no law given, if men sinned what could justice do, or mercy either, for they would have no claim upon the creature?

Alma 42:16 - 21 (Emphasis mine)

There had to be law.  Without law, there is no sin.   Without law, there is no punishment.  Without law, neither mercy nor justice could have claim upon us.  There had to be law for there to be an atonement. Neither justice nor mercy could make a claim upon us.  It was essential there be a law for the works of God to go forward.

The words of Paul.

7  What shall we say then?  Is the law sin?  God forbid.  Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
8  But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence.  For without the law sin was dead.

Romans 7:7 - 8  (Emphasis mine)

For there to be sin, justice, and mercy, there must be a law.  

Alma 42:12-14

12  And now, there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen state, which man had brought upon himself because of his own disobedience;

Alma 42:12

Alma(2) reviewed the Fall and the consequences that followed earlier.  Now, he makes it clear that there is no way that we can be reclaimed from the fall.  This is because "had brought [this] upon himself because of his own disobedience."  God did not force the Fall.  Adam and Eve were given choices, and they chose disobedience.  Their actions and their actions alone were responsible for the fall.

Paul wrote that "by [Adam] came death ... [for] as in Adam all die..."  (1 Corinthians 15:21 - 22 - emphasis mine).  (Yes, I know that there is more to those scriptures, but this is not the place I want to discuss the other parts of the two verses.)

Solomon described some consequences of man's disobedience.

12  And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
13  And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!

Proverbs 5:12 - 13 (emphasis mine)

Those who choose to be disobedient ignore the voice and instruction of the Lord and His teachers.  The word of the Lord no longer has a place in their lives.

Isaiah mentioned a result of this disobedience.

5  The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.

Isaiah 24:5 (emphasis mine)

Stephen bluntly told the Jews the consequences of their disobedience. 

51  Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
52  Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?  and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
53  Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.

Acts 7:51 - 53 (emphasis mine)

These few examples point out how disobedient man had become.  Man defiled the law.  He did not listen to the voice of his teachers.  He persecuted and killed the prophets.  After receiving the law, he did not keep it.

Man's fallen condition brought much pain and suffering upon all.  And, after the Fall, there was no way to reclaim man.  Why?

Alma(2) continues...

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

Alma 42:12-13

Alma(2) tells us that, because of the Fall, the demands of justice could not be destroyed.  There was no way that mercy could take effect.  

Alma(2) then makes a statement that has been misconstrued by the critics of the Book of Mormon.   "Now the work of justice could not be destroyed; if so, God would cease to be God."  Our critics claim we believe that "God [could] cease to be God."  They claim this shows how far away from their definition of "true" Christianity we are.  And,  they would be correct, save they take this statement out of context.  What is the correct context?

Remember the circumstances giving rise to this epistle.  Corianton has committed serious sin and harmed the work of the Lord.  There is evidence that he is remorseful and wants to obtain forgiveness, but is concerned about the words of the Lord.  Is there mercy?  Must justice always prevail? 

Alma(2) explains to his son that God pronounces his law.  If he were to ignore (if you will) his own law and the demands of justice, He would cease to be God.  Note, Alma(2) is saying that only if God ignores His words, would he cease to be God.  Alma(2) goes on to state that...

14  And thus we see that all mankind were fallen, and they were in the grasp of justice; yea, the justice of God, which consigned them forever to be cut off from his presence.

 Alma 42:14 (emphasis mine)

So we see that, because of the fallen state of man, we were "in the grasp if justice; yea, the justice of God..."  And, Alma(2) writes that because of these demands, man would be cut off from the presence of God forever.  He makes very clear that the demands of justice will be met.  God will make no exception.   So, taking the entire context of Alma(2)'s words, it is clear that God will not violate His own commands, and the He will not cease to be God.  This is another example of having an opinion about the Book of Mormon even though you have not bothered to read it.  

Alma 42:5-11

(Note - Alma(2)'s son Corianton is concerned about his eternal welfare because he consorted with a Lamanite harlot.  Alma(2) responds to his son's concerns in Alma 39-42.)

5  For behold, if Adam had put forth his hand immediately, and partaken of the tree of life, he would have lived forever, according to the word of God, having no space for repentance; yea, and also the word of God would have been void, and the great plan of salvation would have been frustrated.
6  But behold, it was appointed unto man to die—therefore, as they were cut off from the tree of life they should be cut off from the face of the earth—and man became lost forever, yea, they became fallen man.

Alma 42:5-6

Alma(2) reminds Corianton about the devil's plans for man.  It wasn't enough that Adam and Eve broke God's commandment and partook of the fruit of the Tree of Life, he wanted to undermine and destroy the entire Plan of Salvation by having them live forever in a sinful state.  

In the previous post, the principal of repentance was discussed.  Had the devil succeeded, repentance would have been invalid.  There would be no way for them to be forgiven as there would not have been a Savior.  if there is not death, fallen man becomes forever and always cut off from God. 

However, the devil not only was prevented from destroying man's opportunity for salvation, he made it so that man could someday come back and our time on Earth became a "a probationary time, a time to repent and serve God."  (Alma 42:4)

7  And now, ye see by this that our first parents were cut off both temporally and spiritually from the presence of the Lord; and thus we see they became subjects to follow after their own will.
8  Now behold, it was not expedient that man should be reclaimed from this temporal death, for that would destroy the great plan of happiness.
9  Therefore, as the soul could never die, and the fall had brought upon all mankind a spiritual death as well as a temporal, that is, they were cut off from the presence of the Lord, it was expedient that mankind should be reclaimed from this spiritual death.

Alma 42:7-9

Man was cut off from the Lord.  He would no longer be constantly guided by the Lord.  He was free to choose right or wrong.  He could choose to follow God, but he could also choose to ignore Him as well.  Man "became subjects to follow after their own will."

This led to two deaths...

• Temporal Death.  We all will die.  This is the physical (or temporal) death.
• Spiritual Death.  The consequence of the Fall is that we are cut off from the presence of God.  

It is the spiritual death from which we are to be reclaimed.  But it was desirable for man to be "reclaimed from this spiritual death."

10  Therefore, as they had become carnal, sensual, and devilish, by nature, this probationary state became a state for them to prepare; it became a preparatory state.
11  And now remember, my son, if it were not for the plan of redemption, (laying it aside) as soon as they were dead their souls were miserable, being cut off from the presence of the Lord.

42:10 - 11

Our nature changed because of the Fall.  We began to affected by the things of the flesh. Because of this change, our life became a time for us to prepare to return to the Lord.

Paul commented on the nature of man.

12  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 5:12

6  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God... 

Romans 8:6 - 71

14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (see note below). 

1 Corinthians 2:14 

(Note - the word used for discerned,anakrinō, means examined or judged; entry 350, Greek Dictionary, Strongest Strongs Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, 2001)

Paul makes it clear about the consequences of man becoming  "carnal, sensual, and devilish."  It is most certainly not the life the Lord wishes us to live.

This became a time to prove to the Lord (and, I believe, to ourselves as well) that our greatest desires and wishes are to return to be with the Lord.

The apostle Peter emphasized that our probationary time here on Earth would not be easy. 

6  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 

1 Peter 1:6 - 7 

This is a time for use to be tried "with fire," which means that we will face many challenges in to our faith, some being extremely hard for us.  As always, there is a promise that follows when we overcome that carnal and natural man.  Peter said that if we do, we could "be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"

Our probationary time won't be easy; but, oh, but the promised rewards that await for overcoming our trials and staying faithful will be great beyond anything we can imagine