Alma 42

In chapter 40, Corianton had questions or doubts about the resurrection. In 41, it was the same with the principle of restoration. Now in the last chapter that Alma counsels his son, Corianton has questions or doubts about the justice of God and why people are punished for their sins. The two great laws, justice and mercy, define who God is. Without them, Alma says that God would be cease to be God. If we understand these two laws, we understand the great love God has for us. As Alma points out, there has to be law. Since we have freedom of choice, it is the basic law of right and wrong that provides that choice. If we choose right, we feel right. If we choose wrong, our conscious tells is it is wrong. There are consequences for both. When we wrong ourselves and/or others. The law of justice requires a punishment after this life. It is only right and fair that wrong doers face the consequences of their acts. The rub comes in that we want criminals and others who do bad things to face justice, but we don't want to have to face justice for our own misdeeds. If it weren't for the law of mercy, everyone of us would face punishment after this life for every wrong thing we have done.

The law of mercy is what balances everything out. As Alma said in chapter 41, "if [a person] hath repented of his sins, and desired righteousness... these are they that are redeemed. It's only right and fair that if a person recognizes his wrongs, changes, and to the best of his ability never commits the wrong again, he should not have to face punishment after this life. The law of justice requires that he does, but because the Savior paid the price demanded by the law of justice, he will not have to if he repents. Alma says it this way, "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 demand of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and merciful God also." For Corianton (and all of us), verses 24 and 25 are key. "Justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved... Do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say unto you, Nay; not one whit. If so, God would cease to be God." I like how the masculine "he" is given to justice and the feminine "her" is given to mercy. I don't think that's an accident.

Then Alma gives Corianton great counsel for all of us. "Let these things trouble you no more, only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance... Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins... 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 of humility." God is patient with us as we try to repent. And as we try to improve, we shouldn't dwell on what we've done in the past, but let it just be a reminder our need to do better. I like how Alma basically tells Corianton to put this behind him, to move on and fulfill what was expected of him. To his credit, Corianton does.