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How is God both merciful and just?
August 2020

“How is God both merciful and just?” Ensign, August 2020

Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon

Alma 39–42 (July 27–August 2)

How is God both just and merciful?

How is God both just and merciful

It might seem like justice and mercy are at odds with each other, but both work together in God’s plan.

Justice:

  1. All will be resurrected and judged according to their works and desires (see Alma 41:2–3).

  2. God has given us laws, and He obeys them perfectly (see Alma 42:22).

  3. We are not compelled to repent, but we will face the consequences of our deeds if we do not repent (see Alma 42:27).

Mercy:

  1. Resurrection is both just and merciful (see 2 Nephi 9:8–15).

  2. God grants us repentance and forgiveness through Jesus Christ and His Atonement (see Alma 42:22–23).

  3. We can choose to come unto Christ to be redeemed (see Alma 42:27).

Jesus Christ “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” (Alma 42:15).