Alma’s declaration was not just that the wicked shall be destroyed but that all who failed to bring forth works of righteousness will be as the tree hewn down and cast into the fire (compare Matthew 3:10; Luke 3:9; D&C 97:7). As there is no neutrality where the kingdom of God is concerned, so no lack of commitment is acceptable where right and proper works are needed. The Apostle Paul, teaching this same principle, charged the meridian Saints to ’work out [their] own salvation with fear and trembling“ (Philippians 2:12).”