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Alma 42:16


Why is repentance not possible without eternal punishment? I understand why punishment must exist (it's explained well in the chapter), but it doesn't explain why the punishment must be eternal.

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2 Answers 2

There are similar discourses elsewhere in the Book of Mormon, notably in 2 Nephi 2 and 2 Nephi 9. Especially in 2 Nephi 9:6-8 it is explained that without the atonement of Christ, the judgement that came on Adam would have been eternal and unending, but not why that is a precondition for repentance.

2 Nephi 9:6-8




It appears that Alma is using "repentance" as shorthand for the plan of redemption including repentance, as summarized in Alma 42:13. Otherwise, this particular verse is difficult to interpret.

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D&C 19 has a really interesting explanation of the meaning of eternal that may also apply to its usage in Alma:








11 Eternal punishment is God’s punishment.

12 Endless punishment is God’s punishment.

In other words, as I understand these verses, eternal punishment does not mean a punishment that has no end, but punishment that is dealt out by God. Eternal is "more express" "that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men" for God's glory (v. 7).

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