What, Do Ye Suppose That Mercy Can Rob Justice?

Alma 42

15 - And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.
16 - Now, repentance could not come unto men except there were a punishment...
17 - Now, how could a man repent except he should sin? How could he sin if there was no law? How could there be a law save there was a punishment?
18 - Now, there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man.
19 - Now, if there was no law given -- if a man murdered he should die -- would he be afraid he would die if he should murder?
20 - And also, if there was no law given against sin men would not be afraid to sin.
21 - And if there was no law given, if men sinned what could justice do, or mercy either, for they would have no claim upon the creature?
22 - 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.
23 - 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.
24 - 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.
25 - 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.