The Collected Works. Joseph Smith Jr.
that mankind should be reclaimed from this spiritual
death.
Alma 42:10
10 Therefore, as they had become carnal, sensual, and devilish,
by nature, this probationary state became a state for them to
prepare; it became a preparatory state.
Alma 42:11
11 And now remember, my son, if it were not for the plan of
redemption, (laying it aside) as soon as they were dead their
souls were miserable, being cut off from the presence of the
Lord.
Alma 42:12
12 And now, there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen
state, which man had brought upon himself because of his own
disobedience;
Alma 42:13
13 Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could
not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance of men in
this probationary state, yea, this preparatory state; for except
it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except
it should destroy the work of justice. Now the work of justice
could not be destroyed; if so, God would cease to be God.
Alma 42:14
14 And thus we see that all mankind were fallen, and they were
in the grasp of justice; yea, the justice of God, which consigned
them forever to be cut off from his presence.
Alma 42:15
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 42:16
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.
Alma 42:17
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?
Alma 42:18
18 Now, there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given,
which brought remorse of conscience unto man.
Alma 42:19
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?
Alma 42:20
20 And also, if there was no law given against sin men would not
be afraid to sin.
Alma 42:21
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 42:22
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.
Alma 42:23
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 42:24
24 For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also
mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly
penitent are saved.
Alma 42:25
25 What, do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say unto
you, Nay; not one whit. If so, God would cease to be God.
Alma 42:26
26 And thus God bringeth about his great and eternal purposes,
which were prepared from the foundation of the world. And thus
cometh about the salvation and the redemption of men, and also
their destruction and misery.
Alma 42:27
27 Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and partake
of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the
same is not compelled to come; but in the last day it shall be
restored unto him according to his deeds.
Alma 42:28
28 If he has desired to do evil, and has not repented in his
days, behold, evil shall be done unto him, according to the
restoration of God.
Alma 42:29
29 And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things
trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with
that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance.
Alma 42:30
30 O my son, I desire that ye should deny the justice of God no
more. Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point
because of your sins, by denying the justice of God; 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 in humility.
Alma 42:31
31 And now, O my son, ye are called of God to preach the word
unto this people. And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word
with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bring souls unto
repentance, that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon
them. And may God grant unto you even according to my words.
Amen.
Alma 43 Chapter 43
Alma 43:1
1 And now it came to pass that the sons of Alma did go forth
among the people, to declare the word unto them. And Alma, also,
himself, could not rest, and he also went forth.
Alma 43:2
2 Now we shall say no more concerning their preaching,