Unit 63

could

10 occurrences in 6 verses

Alma 42:9, 13, 15, 16, 17, 21

Alma 42:9

Therefore, as the soul could never die,

and the fall had brought upon all mankind a spiritual death as well as a temporal,

that is, they were cut off from the presence of the Lord,

it was expedient that mankind should be reclaimed from this spiritual death.

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;

if so, God would cease to be God.

Alma 42:15

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.

Alma 42:16

Now, 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.

Alma 42:17

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 42:21

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?