2020
How is God both merciful and just?
August 2020

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

Come, Follow Me: Book of Mormon

How is God both just and merciful?

Alma 39–42

July 27–August 2

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).