2 Nephi 9:26-29

26  For the atonement satisfieth the demands of his justice upon all those who have not the law given to them, that they are delivered from that awful monster, death and hell, and the devil, and the lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment; and they are restored to that God who gave them breath, which is the Holy One of Israel.
27  But wo unto him that has the law given, yea, that has all the commandments of God, like unto us, and that transgresseth them, and that wasteth the days of his probation, for awful is his state!

2 Nephi 9:25-27 (Emphasis mine)

I've heard this question many times - What happens to those who die without hearing about Jesus?  A response I reject is that they will end up in hell, cut off from God.  As I study the Gospel, this response makes no sense.  Where's the justice of God?  How can He punish someone who have no heard of Christ, the Bible, or the Gospel?  History is full of people like this.

Jacob gives us the answer.  To paraphrase, the atonement will step in and meet the demands of justice for those who have not heard the Gospel.  They are delivered from hill and restored to the Holy One of Israel.

13  (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
14  Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
15  But not as the offence, so also is the free gift.  For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
16  And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
17  For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Romans 5:13-17 (Emphasis mine)

Verse 27 begins what I've considered the "wo's"  scriptures.  Jacob begins to warn us of the consequences of ignoring God, His teachings, and His commandments.  He warns us of the consequences of these poor decisions.

He begins by warning those of us who have received the law.  Jacob warns that, if you have the law, and you violate the law, you are committing sin. Not only are you committing sin, you are basically wasting your life.  

In the October 2006 General Conference, Elder Richard G. Scott said:

"There are those who attempt to scale a difficult rock cliff by a method called “soloing.” They ascend alone, without equipment, companions, or any secure protection. They depend on their own skill and capacity. They do it for the thrill of living on the edge with high risk. It is done despite the probability that in time they will fall and be seriously injured or lose their life. They are like many who face the challenges and temptations of life without the security of following the commandments of God, guided by the Holy Spirit. In today’s difficult world they will almost surely violate critical laws, with painful, destructive consequences. Do not “solo” in life. You will almost certainly fall into transgression ... When you learn those commandments, continue to practice them, and have a plan to avoid danger, you will have a secure means of obtaining protection against Satan’s temptations. You will develop strength of character that will fortify you against transgression. Should you make a wrong move, there need be no enduring problem because of the belaying or help that is available through your repentance.Let the Savior be your “lead” in life." (Emphasis mine)

In the October 2008 General Conference, Elder James J. Hamula said:

"Therefore, Satan is marshalling every resource at his disposal to entice you into transgression. He knows that if he can draw you into transgression, he may prevent you from serving a full-time mission, marrying in the temple, and securing your future children in the faith, all of which weakens not only you but the Church. He knows that nothing can overthrow God’s kingdom 'save it [be] the transgression of [his] people.' (Mosiah 27:13)" (Emphasis mine)

17  Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

James 4:17 (Emphasis mine)

28  O that cunning plan of the evil one!  O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men!  When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not.  And they shall perish.
29  But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.

2 Nephi 9:28-29 (Emphasis mine)

What is it about us that makes us think we are so wise when we think we know a lot about something?  It's easy to become (frequently unintentionally) proud because of this knowledge.  It's easier to ignore those who don't know as much as we do.  In fact, they should be partaking of our profound wisdom.

As a science teacher, sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the knowledge and learning of science.  It feels like I'm learning all the explanations.  I'm becoming quite a bright and brilliant person. 

17  This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

18  Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
19  Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Ephesians 4:17-19 (Emphasis mine)

God gives us knowledge and learning to help us become better people.  Through this learning, we can become away of the teachings of the Gospel and apply them in our lives.  We can become closer to God, having a life full of happiness and joy, ultimately leading to returning back to God for all eternity.

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 42:15-21

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.