If justice alone should mark man’s station in life, and his own merit prevail, he would be of all creatures most miserable, most deeply to be pitied. But mercy which is shown in the Sacrifice of the Son of God “can satisfy the demands of justice,” and redeem all men in the arms of love.
About 75 years previously, or about 148 B.C., the Prophet Abinadi in declaring the coming of the Messiah to redeem mankind from the effects of Adam’s Fall, said to the wicked priests of King Noah: And thus God breaketh the bands of death, having gained the victory over death; giving the Son power to make intercession for the children of men—Having ascended into Heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them-and justice; having broken the bands of death, taken upon Himself their iniquity and their transgressions, having redeemed them, and satisfied the demands of justice.
To, which President John Taylor adds this beautiful thought: Is justice dishonored? No, it is satisfied, the debt is paid. Is righteousness departed from? No, this is a righteous act. All requirements are met. Is judgment violated? No, its demands are fulfilled. Is mercy triumphant? No, she simply claims her own. Justice, judgment, mercy, and truth all harmonize as the attributes of Deity. “Justice and truth have met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Justice and judgment triumph as well as mercy and peace; all the attributes of Deity harmonize in this great, grand, momentous, just, equitable, merciful and meritorious act. (Meditation and Atonement)
The aim, or the intent of the great and last Sacrifice, which Amulek proclaimed, was that all men should be saved through belief on the Name of the Son of God. The way was by Him prepared, and thus the means provided, whereby Salvation might come to those who “have faith unto repentance.” Faith in Jesus Christ which brings repentance, also brings about the great and eternal Plan of Redemption. While he who does not believe, and therefore has no repentance in Him, will not share the mercy which mitigates and satisfies the demands of justice.