Alma 42

Much of Christendom preach that all that is required to man is to accept Jesus as their personal Savior and they will be saved. As one studies the Old and New Testaments, one can find scriptural passages that all alone one might interpret this to be the case. But if one was to circle every scriptural verse in the Bible that suggests more such as obedience, works, repentance, service, sacrifice, etc., a reasonable person would quickly recognize that much more is required for all God's Eternal blessings. In just a few verses, Alma teaches his son, Corianton, the complete truth regarding this matter as he explains the laws of justice and mercy. Speaking of mankind, Alma asks -


"...How could he sin if there was no law? How could there be a law save there was a punishment?" (Book of Mormon Alma 42:17)


Alma then answers


"...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." (Book of Mormon Alma 42:22)


And with the law of mercy -


"...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." (Book of Mormon Alma 42:23)


Alma testifies that it is by grace of God or the atonement of Jesus Christ that we return to His presence. Alma answers the question of whether just accepting Jesus as ones personal Savior is sufficient by asking -


"...do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say unto you, Nay; not one whit." (Book of Mormon Alma 42:25)


The truth is -


"...justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved." (Book of Mormon Alma 42:24)