The Book of Mormon

Alma 30:9

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~74 BC

1830 Edition

Now if a man desired to serve God, it was his privilege, or rather if he believed in God, it was his privilege to serve him; but if he did not believe in him, there was no law to punish him.

Influences

Titus 3:8 (KJV)
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Romans 10:14 (KJV)
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

Changes

Now if a man desired to serve God, it was his privilege,; or rather, if he believed in God, it was his privilege to serve him; but if he did not believe in him, there was no law to punish him.

Simple English

If someone wanted to serve God, that was their right. If they believed in God, they could serve him. But if they didn’t believe in him, there was no law to punish them.

Paraphrase

If someone wanted to serve God, that was their choice. If they believed in God, they had the privilege to serve him. But if they didn’t believe, there was no law to punish them.