In my own life, I have observed that violation of specific commandments results in specific punishments. In the same way, obedience to specific commandments yields specific blessings. In short, there seems to be like a cosmic karma, a balancing of scales. Do good, get good. Do bad, get bad. None of this requires the active intervention of men - God handles the balancing of the scales in His own time and in His own way. Man does not need to exact any kind of revenge or even involve himself in the process, for the most part.
Is this correct? If so, how does this jive with the gospel? Does God mete out punishments for violation of divine law or does He merely withhold blessings?
Thoughts? Sincerely seeking some good guidance here.
Some quotes:
andAmong the original qualities of our minds we have correct notions of justice implanted in our bosoms originally by God himself: also what we know of mercy originated from God. He implanted the principles of justice and mercy in our hearts, and he implanted the same principles that dwell in his own bosom. What is justice with us, when we are truly enlightened, is justice with God; and what is mercy with us, when we are truly enlightened, is mercy with God: and these great attributes will be magnified in the dealing out of punishments and rewards.
- Orson Pratt, Aug. 28, 1859
andGod is a God of truth and holiness: his justice must take effect; and, notwithstanding the atonement, there is no way for him to exercise his mercy in behalf of the children of men, only through their agency. You can save yourselves through the atonement, or let it alone. Jesus has done his part: he has died for us − has got the plan all laid; his blood has been shed, and he has suffered the pains of all the children of men, and in their behalf, if they will only accept the conditions.
- Orson Pratt, Sept. 11, 1859
andOne of the brethren, yesterday, felt so rejected, under like reflections, that he said he could pray for the devils in hell, if it would do any good. It is not for us to pray for them, because they have become the sons of perdition. You may pray for your persecutors − for those who hate you, and revile you, and speak all manner of evil of you, if they do it ignorantly; but if they do it understandingly, justice must take its course in regard to them; and except they repent, they will become the sons of perdition. This is my testimony.
- Brigham Young, April 6, 1860
But the justice and mercy of God must have their demands. Let everything have its place and its just due, both the good and the evil; and we will not curse the wicked, for they are already cursed; the wrath of the Almighty does not slumber upon their track; their condition is lamentable. They flourish like a green bay tree, and may so flourish for a few days; but they will become withered and dried and prepared to be cast into the fire, while the kingdom of God will stand; and if we do not remain faithful, others will take our places.
- Brigham Young, Oct. 7, 1860