Alma is paraphrasing Genesis 3:23–24 in speaking to Corianton (Alma 42:2–3). In comparing the laws of justice and mercy, had Adam and Eve partaken of the tree of life, they would have become immortal beings at that time. Just as the forbidden fruit changed them into mortal beings (see commentary on Alma 12:22), the fruit of the tree of life would have changed them into immortal beings (Alma 42:5). This was the eternal law, or the attribute of justice according to eternal law. On the other hand, the law of mercy protected Adam and Eve from the tree of life so they could have an opportunity to repent and serve God (v. 4). The plan of salvation was for man to fall “that men might be” (2 Nephi 2:25). Had there been no fall “they would have had no children” (2 Nephi 2:23), and the earth would not have been populated. The Lord “created the earth that it should be inhabited; and he hath created his [spirit] children that they should possess it” (1 Nephi 17:36). Therefore, the great plan of salvation would have been frustrated had there been no probationary time (Alma 42:4–5).