11 For behold, and also his blood atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned.
12 But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he rebelleth against God! For salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Mosiah 3:11-12)
Here is my understanding of the roles that the Savior plays in giving us both justice and mercy:
1. He paid the price for the things we do wrong unintentionally. Because of our limitations (incomplete knowledge, poor memories) we all make foolish mistakes, and sometimes we feel horrible when we recognize the harm we have caused to ourselves and others. Because of the Atonement, we are not accountable for these errors, and the harm we have done will eventually be repaired.
In fact, the Lord reassures us that our natural state is in opposition to His will. This is a statement of support, not of condemnation. He is telling us that we are subject to mortal influences, both internal and external, which would lead us to make wrong choices unless we deliberately override them. But how can we override them unless we know they are wrong?
2. He sends messengers to teach us right from wrong. Once we know what we should do, we are now empowered to make good choices, and we are also accountable for those choices.
3. He paid the price for things we do wrong intentionally. When we deliberately make wrong choices, we can be freed from the full consequences of those choices by exercising faith in the Savior and repenting (fully admitting what we have done and changing our behavior). Under those conditions, he will pay the price for those misdeeds, just as He does for those who make wrong choices out of ignorance.
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