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.