Talk:Alma 20:16-20

Why would Lamoni not have been saved?

I think Ammon has in mind the same doctrine taught in D&C 42:18, that murder shall not be foregiven in this life or the next. Although this verse alone might suggest murder is an unpardonable sin, my sense is that most LDS church members believe that murder is pardonable, just not in this life (and that there is suffering associated in the next life, but that after that forgiveness may be granted). I don't know exactly where this belief/doctrine comes from (perhaps Brigham Young's sermon on blood atonement?"), but a couple interesting, related scriptures are Alma 39:6, Rev 21:8, D&C 132:9 and D&C 19:6-12. I'd love to learn more about members' beliefs on whether murder is an unpardonable sin and where these beliefs originate. --RobertC 13:56, 18 Nov 2005 (UTC)

I don't remember ever hearing that murder is an unpardonable sin in this life. Maybe I'd heard it and have forgotten. I don't think that view is consistent with Alma 24:9-10. --Matthew Faulconer 14:53, 18 Nov 2005 (UTC)

Discussion on this topic always brings to my mind what Elder Packer said in a General Conference address (1995). "The gospel teaches us that relief from torment and guilt can be earned through repentance. Save for those few who defect to perdition after having known a fulness, there is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no offense exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness." It seems clear when complete forgiveness is not possible, although he makes no mention of the timing of forgiveness for other types of transgressions. MJ 16:33, 18 Nov 2005 (UTC)