"Does Mercy Rob Justice?"

"I've lived a good life," he said. "God truly knows!"
"He understands me, and mercy He will show."

"Made some mistakes, but that's how it goes.
God will forgive me, His love will bestow."

"For my heart is good, though my obedience slow.
The demands of justice, can line up by row."

Mercy rob justice, can that really be?
Would God expect nothing, then let him be free?

Desires of his heart, by which God will judge,
Will supersede commandments, he chose to fudge?

Forsake holy promises, he made with Him?
Will mercy save, despite those he trimmed?

And anxious he approached, the judgement seat.
To learn mercy and justice, do not compete!

Mercy's conditions, oaths and covenants to keep.
Would be required forever, for justice to sleep.

And so sadly he left, the heaven's court on high,
To receive something far less, for living a lie.

POET'S COMMENTS

There are those who believe God's mercy will prevail over all other conditions. Some believe that the true "desires of one's heart," will eliminate the need to "be obedient in all things." (2 Corinthians 2:9) They have forgotten the first part of the scripture, "according to their works." We read in the scriptures that both are important. "For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desires of their hearts." (D&C 137:9)

It is true that because of the Atonement, all men are saved. Saved from the consequences of the Fall. They will not suffer spiritual death: they will have the opportunity to return to the presence of God. They will have the gift of choice to determine their eternal destiny. For it is said, "in my Father's house, are many mansions." (John 14:2) There will be one reward for all collectively, salvation from the Fall. There will also be an individual reward for our personal valiance, and obedience. The following scripture depicts the benefit of Christ overcoming the Fall.

"O the wisdom of God, his mercy and grace! For behold, if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more." (2 Nephi 9:8)

The great plan of the Atonement provides for a resurrection and a judgement. Mercy is exercised by virtue of the fact that man is freed from the bondage of the fall from grace when Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit. To suppose that mercy is a free ticket to live in God's presence without merit is to misunderstand the many principles taught in the true gospel. If this were so, it would eliminate the law of obedience, showing faith through works, and the very principle to become like Christ.

Perhaps the most pertinent lyric in this poem is "To learn that mercy and justice do not compete." One does not win and the other lose; they are both satisfied. We know that God is both merciful and just.

"But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth; otherwise, justice claimeth the creature and executeth the law, and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and God would cease to be God... But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice... For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved. . . What, do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice I say unto you, Nay; not one whit. If so, God would cease to be God." (Alma 42:22-25)

The proclamation of mercy is followed by the admonitions; "Come follow me" (Matthew 19:21), "If ye love me keep my commandments" (John 14:15), "ye should do as I have done to you." (John13:15), "I will shew thee my faith by my works." (James 2:18).

God's ultimate mercy is to be found on His right hand in the final day of judgement. This reward is merited upon fulfilling above admonitions. It is then that man can claim a crown of glory, a fullness of joy, and everlasting life with the Father and the Son. May this be the desire of our hearts. May His ultimate mercy and grace rob justice through our good works, obedience, and keeping our covenants.