When Alma speaks of the “state of nature” he is speaking of those who indulge all of their animal instincts to gratify their passions and pleasures. They then think they can pass over into a life of righteous and blissful happiness when they die. But in answer to this, Alma says:
“O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish -- good for that which is good; righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful.”