“Thus Mercy Can Satisfy the Demands of Justice”

Brant Gardner

Rhetoric: Amulek continues his imagery of the Messiah as king. As the king and author of the sacrifice, he is the “owner” of it and its benefits. Its infinite nature satisfies the infinite demands of mercy and justice (conceived as abstractions), but its benefits are still restricted to the king’s people. Amulek does not here discuss the two deaths nor the Messiah’s overcoming physical death, making the resurrection available to all. (See commentary accompanying Alma 12:16 and 31.) Thus, Amulek can make his audience understand that, while the atonement will be infinite, it is not infinitely applied. They would immediately understand this argument and find it quite reasonable. They would also see why they had to alter their lives, become the people of this “king,” adopt his “name,” and abandon their competing allegiance to other kings.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 4

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