At this point, let’s return to the question which Alma is addressing. Corianton thinks it is unfair for the wicked to be miserable forever. Alma’s response is to show him that (in the absence of the Atonement) the Fall places everyone in an eternal state of misery, even spiritual death. This sets the stage for the conclusion that we are all eternally indebted to God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ for the plan of redemption. Without it, sinners as well as the most righteous would be consigned to a state of misery…shut out from the presence of our God…to remain with the father of lies, in misery (v. 1; 2 Nephi 9:9).