Alma 42:27

This is our most detailed description of the plan of salvation in all our scriptures. I would question Alma's reasoning on several points as he tries to explain every detail but it would be pointless.

I have access to more scriptures and to the writings of church leaders then he did. He was trying to figure this out on his own.

He had not yet been taught that man is divine by nature.

He didn't have the knowledge that man was given the gift of agency in the pre-existence - not as a result of the Fall.

He didn't have the understanding that the Light of Christ is given to every man - thus he sees fear of punishment as the only thing that would get men to repent.

But then look at verse 27 and how clearly this state's the condition of man:

Therefore, oh my son, whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely, and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to come; but in the last day it shall be restored unto him according to his deeds.

Simply stated, as I read his words, it means:

• Man is completely free to choose his or her own destiny.
• God invites but never compels.
• There are consequences to all behaviors.
• How we end up in eternity will have been our choice.