Alma 41:1-4

Alma(2)'s epistle to Corianton continues discussing the resurrection and the restoration of the resurrected being.

1  AND now, my son, I have somewhat to say concerning the restoration of which has been spoken; for behold, some have wrested the scriptures, and have gone far astray because of this thing.  And I perceive that thy mind has been worried also concerning this thing.  But behold, I will explain it unto thee.
2  I say unto thee, my son, that the plan of restoration is requisite with the justice of God; for it is requisite that all things should be restored to their proper order.  Behold, it is requisite and just, according to the power and resurrection of Christ, that the soul of man should be restored to its body, and that every apart of the body should be restored to itself.
3  And it is requisite with the justice of God that men should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good.
4  And if their works are evil they shall be restored unto them for evil.  Therefore, all things shall be restored to their proper order, every thing to its natural frame—mortality raised to immortality, corruption to incorruption—raised to endless happiness to inherit the kingdom of God, or to endless misery to inherit the kingdom of the devil, the one on one hand, the other on the other—

Alma 41:1-4 (Emphasis mine)

Two themes that have been common to Alma(2)'s epistle are seen in these verses.

First, Corianton has a bad habit of getting caught up in all sorts of things that challenge his faith. Looking at the epistle as a whole, he ignores what he has been taught.  Something comes along that seems to contradict his beliefs and he gets all confused and bothered.  So, his father has to step in and "...explain it unto thee." (I can almost hear Alma(2) sighing "again!"" (v1).

The second theme is that the judgment we obtain is based on our works and the choices we make.  We have choices throughout our lives.  If we choose to follow the commandments and teachings of Christ, we obtain happiness and enter into the presence of God.  If we ignore these things, we choose misery and "...inherit the kingdom of the devil..." (v4)

Alma(2) reminds Corianton that the things that are causing him problems were teachings that had been twisted by those who were teaching the concepts that contradicted truth.  I do wonder what these teachings were that caused Corianton so many problems.  

This has been a constant problem faced by Christians.  Peter wrote:

20  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

2 Peter 1:20 - 21 (Emphasis mine)

We learn that there were those who took upon themselves the right to give their own interpretation of scripture.  Both Peter and Alma(2) emphasize that the prophets speak the will of God as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.  It is only through the Holy Ghost we can understand the teachings and prophesies of God.

He reminds us that the restoration of all things is a necessary (requisite) part of the resurrection.  "...all things must be restored to their proper order."  (v2)  We will be restored based on the choices we make.  Those that choose right will be restored to "...unto that which is good."  (v3)  Those the choose evil will be restored "...to endless misery to inherit the kingdom of the 

devil (v4)

Paul also taught that "...all things shall be restored to their proper order, every thing to its natural frame—mortality raised to immortality, corruption to incorruption..." (v4)

 50  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
51  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all asleep, but we shall all be changed,
52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:50 - 52 (Emphasis mine)

We are fortunate to have guides and inspiration to help us understand the words of God.  We need to use good and proper sources.

We also need to follow Alma(2)'s counsel to avoid getting caught up in the things of men.  When we allow the philosophies of man to shape or beliefs, it just takes us farther away from truth.

I am grateful to Mormon(2) that he included this epistle of Alma(2).  We are able to gain many great and wonderful truths.