Alma Chapter 42

Summary:  

Alma teaches about how mortality is a probationary time. He tells that during mortality man needs to repent of sins and serve God. In doing so, and by accepting Christ as their savior, they can be saved. The fall of Adam brought about temporal and spiritual death to man. Man can overcomes these through repentance. Mercy is for those who repent. God's mercy comes through Christ's atonement and only those who are truly repentant can be saved.

Lessons Taught/To be Learned:

Starting here in chapters 40-42, Alma's son inquires about life after we leave this world. Alma teaches about the spirit world, the Judgment, the Resurrection, and the difference of what happens to good vs. evil people. These three chapters give an excellent overview of God's plan of happiness.

An excellent video dealing with the laws of justice and mercy is presented here: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints videos - the Mediator.

Key Scriptures (italicized and in quotes):

"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.."

"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."