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.
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,
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]..."
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