Alma 42

We learn another matter that Corianton seemed to be struggling with as Alma discerns -

"...I perceive there is somewhat more which doth worry your mind, which ye cannot understand—which is concerning the justice of God in the punishment of the sinner; for ye do try to suppose that it is injustice that the sinner should be consigned to a state of misery." (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:1)

I believe that this same belief is held generally through much of the world. Mankind cannot understand that a loving God would confine any "son or daughter" to eternal misery. That is, no loving God would do that. But the consequence of this belief then leads to a carnal nature with no obligations or responsibilities. This cannot be happiness for -

"...wickedness never was happiness." (Book of Mormon | Alma 41:10)

And for a loving God to accept eternity living with wickedness also doesn't make sense. It is herein that Alma provides the greatest lesson or doctrine on justice, mercy, and agency. With the fall of Adam -

"...thus we see they became subjects to follow after their own will."
(Book of Mormon | Alma 42:7)

We all have been given our agency to choose good or evil...and bear the consequences of our will therefore -

"...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." (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:14)

...according to their desires and will. Alma says more that once that without justice -

"...God would cease to be God." (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:13)

"...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..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:13)

With the demands of justice -

"...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." (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:15)

It has to be this way that justice and mercy are opposites for -

"...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.
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?
18 Now, there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man.
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?
20 And also, if there was no law given against sin men would not be afraid to sin.
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?
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..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:16 - 22)

It then becomes clear and of necessity that -

"...justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved.
25 What, do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say unto you, Nay; not one whit..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:24 - 25)

Therefore -

"...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." (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:30)

In regards to this matter, I also had thought this morning in connection with justice and its relationship with the Tree of Life, which represents the Savior and the fruit of the tree that represents the blessings of the atonement. One of the blessing of the atonement is the resurrection or eternal immortality. Alma taught the Lord -

"...placed at the east end of the garden of Eden, cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the tree of life—
3 Now, we see that the man had become as God, knowing good and evil; and lest he should put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat and live forever, the Lord God placed cherubim and the flaming sword, that he should not partake of the fruit—" (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:2 - 3)

Which means there was no time to repent. Therefore, the fruit of the tree must also represent righteous judgement suggesting that without a period of repentance, Adam would have lived forever in his sins.