The good news is that all of the dire circumstances of a time without atonement do not have take effect. There is a God, and this God is merciful in that he claims those who repent. Alma’s train of logic finishes the line of reasoning. Mercy applies to the penitent, who may repent because of the atonement. The atonement creates the resurrection, and this overcoming of death allows men to return to the presence of God. There they are judged according to what they have done. While he does not say so here, this is where the doctrine of restoration is applied – men receive good for good, evil for evil.