JUSTICE AND MERCY

Alma 42

Elder Nelson’s Grandfather"On the night of April 6th, 1891, I had a strange dream or vision in which I saw and conversed with my father who died January 27th, 1891. I was in bed when father came in or entered the room; he came and sat on the side of the bed. He first said: "Well, my son…I received permission to come and see you for a few minutes.” I am very glad to see you father. How are do you do? 'I am feeling well my son, and have had very much to do since I died.' What have you been doing since you died, father? 'My son, I have been traveling with Apostle Erastus Snow ever since I died…You cannot imagine, my son, how many spirits there are in the Spirit world that have not yet received the Gospel; but many are receiving it, and a great work is being accomplished. Many are anxiously looking forth to their friends, who are still living, to administer for them in the Temples.

"Will all the spirits believe you, father, when you teach them the Gospel?' No, they will not.‘ 'Father, can you see us at all times, and do you know what we are doing?' No, my son, I cannot. I have something else to do. I cannot go when and where I please. There is just as much, and much more, order here in the Spirit world than in the other world. Father, is it natural to die?... ‘It is just as natural to die, as it is to be born, or for you to pass out of that door (here he pointed at the door). When I had told the folks that I could not last long, it turned dark and I could not see anything for a few minutes. Then, the first thing I could see was a number of spirits in the Spirit world.’‘My son, always cling to the Gospel…Never do anything that will displease God. O, what a blessing is the Gospel! My son, be a good boy.' 'Good bye.‘ I then saw him leave the room. He was neatly dressed in a suit of light gray clothes, which I had never seen him wear when alive.' (in From Heart to Heart: 1979, pp 16-18)

Elder Nelson’s Grandfather

Doctrines found in Alma 40-421. Spirit world—Alma 40:6-142. Resurrection—Alma 40:16-223. Death—Alma 40:264. Final Judgment—Alma 41:35. Sin—Alma 41:96. Happiness—Alma 41:10-12; 42:8, 167. The Creation—Alma 42:2-48. Earth Life—Alma 42:4-69. The Fall—Alma 42:7-1110. Law of Justice—Alma 42:13-1411. Atonement—Alma 42:1512. Repentance—Alma 42:16,2913. Law of Mercy—Alma 42:24-25

Looking at these chapters through the eyes of a wayward child, which doctrines would “worry your mind” (40:1; 41:1; 42:1)? Why?

“The word probation is found only ten times in the Standard Works, and nine of those references are in the Book of Mormon. What an essential doctrine in understanding the Fall and the Atonement, a doctrine of prolonged opportunity in which the gospel can be taught and accepted.” (Jeffrey R. Holland, Christ and the New Covenant, 209).

Why “A Probationary State”

•What is the law of justice? • How many are in a fallen state, cut off from the presence of God and subject to the law of justice?• What could we have done to save ourselves from being born into a fallen state? •Does justice care who pays the debt? •How does the law of mercy satisfy the demands of justice?

Justice and Mercy

Label each piece of the analogy…

Alma 42:2-4, 6-7, 9-10

Alma 42:12, 14

Alma 42:15

Alma 42:23

Alma 42:24

Alma 42:2-4, 6-7, 9-10

Alma 42:12, 14

Alma 42:15

Alma 42:23

Alma 42:27

Alma 42:24

Alma 42:2-4, 6-7, 9-10

Alma 42:12, 14

Alma 42:15

Alma 42:23

Gravity = Justice

The result of Justice = Punishment

Atonement

Mercy is extended

Grabbing hold = Faith and Repentance

Holding on = Enduring to the End

MEDIATORAn intercessor or intermediary. Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and man. His atonement made possible a way for people to repent of their sins and become reconciled to God.• No man cometh unto the Father except

by Jesus Christ: John 14:6• There is one mediator between God and

men: 1 Tim. 2:5• Christ is the mediator of a better

covenant: Heb. 8:6• The Holy Messiah shall make

intercession for all the children of men: 2 Ne. 2:9

• Ye should look to the great Mediator:2 Ne. 2:27–28

• We are made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant: D&C 76:69

• The Mediator (VIDEO 11mins)

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS 45:2-5

Begins with very best (Christ)Ends with very worst (Sons of Perdition)

• First Resurrection (or Resurrection of Just)– Morning• Celestial people from Adam to Christ• Celestial people from Christ to 2nd Coming

– Afternoon• Terrestrial people from Adam to 2nd Coming• Celestial people born during the Millenium

• Last Resurrection (or Resurrection of Unjust)• Telestial people from Adam to end of Millenium• Sons of Perdition

The ResurrectionThere are more than 80 references to the “resurrection” in the Book of Mormon (twice as many

as the New Testament).

“…forget those things which are behind, and reach forth unto those

things which are before” (Philippians 3:13)

“Paul’s healthy attitude toward his own past was his meek realization that had been forgiven. He did not intend to let his yesterday hold his tomorrow hostage; instead, he pressed forward and forgot that which was past” (Neal A. Maxwell, Meek and Lowly, 93-94).

DESTRUCTIVE THOUGHTS

“Because there is an opposition in all things, there are forces that erode our faith. These

stem from personal tendencies, attitudes, and habits. I will refer to these influences as the

“Destructive Ds...”

Look for these “D’s” in Corianton’s life….

DOUBT

First is doubt. Doubt is not a principle of the gospel. It does not come from the Light of Christ or the influence of the Holy Ghost.

Doubt is a negative emotion related to fear. It comes from a lack of confidence in one’s self or abilities. It is inconsistent with our divine

identity as children of God.

DISCOURAGEMENT

Doubt leads to discouragement. Discouragement comes

from missed expectations. Chronic discouragement leads to lower expectations,

decreased effort, weakened desire, and greater difficulty feeling and following the

Spirit.

LACK OF DILIGENCE

Distraction leads to a lack of diligence, a reduced commitment to remain true and faithful and to carry on through despite

hardship and disappointment. Disappointment is an inevitable part of life, but it need not lead to doubt, discouragement, distraction, or lack

of diligence.

DISOBEDIENCE and DISBELIEF

If not reversed, this path ultimately leads to disobedience, which undermines the very basis of faith. So often the result is disbelief,

the conscious or unconscious refusal to believe. The scriptures describe disbelief as the state of having chosen to harden one’s heart. (Elder Kevin W. Pearson, April 2009)

JUSTICE AND MERCY

Alma 42