Comments on Alma 41 While the preceding chapter discussed the physical restoration of the individual (i.e., the resurrection, cf. 40:13- 14), the text of this chapter deals with the spiritual restoration of the individual. From the discussion in this chapter it is pretty plain Corianton's view on the Doctrine of Restoration is it would take someone from their sinful state and put them into a righteous state. Now, it is plain for us to see why that is wrong given Alma's discussion, but it wouldn't be hard to see how Corianton could have come to such a conclusion with a little bit of sophistry. For example, what if the Doctrine of Restoration restored people from the carnal condition of the post-Fall to the pre-Fall condition of Adam & Eve when resurrected? Then Corianton's position seems plausible. This is just one example, but any number of other possibilities exist when one shifts the focus of restoration off the individual's spirit to the restoration of something else. v1-8 Alma expresses his concern over Corianton wresting the Scriptures and going astray (v. 1) so he explains to him that the Doctrine of Restoration is in line with the Justice of God in that every part of the spirit and body should be reunited (v. 2). Those who desired and did good things are restored to that good condition (v. 3) and are happy (v. 5a-b), and those who desired evil and did evil are restored to that evil condition (v. 4) to dwell in darkness (v. 5c-d). Those who repent of their sins and seek after righteousness until the end are granted that righteousness (v. 6). These are the ones who are redeemed from their sins and delivered from darkness. Thus, men are their own judges based upon what they do, as their actions manifest what is in them (v. 7). Thus may a man be saved if he repents of his sins has a godly walk according to God's commands (v. 8). v7 The idea of being judged here isn't one of the person becoming self-aware in the presence of God as a result of the resurrection (as is the case in 11:43-44). Alma's point is what determines whether a person is good or evil is their works. If they do good works then they are good, and if they do evil works then they are evil. Thus, they are their own judges because their works manifest what they are. v9-15 Alma now turns his attention from the general (v. 1-8) to the specific case of Corianton. Alma warns him off from twisting the Doctrine of Restoration to justify his sin (v. 9), as "restoration" does not mean to take someone wicked and sinful and change them to happy and righteous (v. 10). The condition of carnal men is contrary to the condition of God (v. 11), so carnal men will not be restored to the condition of God. Alma then rhetorically questions Corianton on how it could be possible to "restore" something to a condition it is not in (v. 12). It cannot as that is not what "restoration" means, so evil goes for evil and good goes for good (v. 13). Alma then admonishes Corianton to do good and be merciful because those things will be restored to him (v. 14). What a person sends out comes back to them in the form of Judgement upon their works. Thus, the Doctrine of Restoration doesn't make the sinner righteous at all, it does quite the opposite (v. 15). A simple straightforward analogy is that of restoring a car. If you have a beat up 1957 Chevy and you restore it you end up with a nice shiny 1957 Chevy in good condition, not a 2001 Ford Mustang. Copyright © 2001 by S. Kurt Neumiller . All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced in any form or by any means for commercial gain without the express written consent of the author. Digital or printed copies may be freely made and distributed for personal and public non-commercial use.