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.
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