In the Book of Mormon we read that if it wasn't for the plan of redemption, those who die would be cut off from the presence of the Lord. There would be no way to reclaim them from their fallen state caused by their own disobedience. This life is a probationary or preparatory state, and both mercy and justice need to be served. All mankind were fallen and were in the grasp of justice, but the atonement allowed for a plan of mercy. Jesus atoned for our sins to appease the demands of justice. Alma 42: 11-15 "And now remember, my son, if it were not for the plan of redemption, (laying it aside) as soon as they were dead their souls were miserable, being cut off from the presence of the Lord. And now, there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen state, which man had brought upon himself because of his own disobedience; 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; if so, God would cease to be God. And thus we see that 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. And now, 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."
In the New Testament we read that the way to tell if we are Jesus' disciples is if we show love for one another. This reminds me of an online Christian discussion group in which various people were arguing bitterly with one another about points of doctrine. Some were pointing to others and claiming that they were not Christians. I quoted this scripture to the group and stated that the way to tell if a person was a Christian or not is if they follow the example of our Savior and show love for others. John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
A verse with a thought booklet reminds us to keep the Golden Rule, to do unto others as we would have others do unto us. What a wonderful world this would be if everyone did this! Luke 6:31 "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."
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