All the Inhabitants of the Earth

One of the themes of the first two books of Nephi in the Book of Mormon is the universality of the Savior’s sacrifice and salvation. Nephi recorded these words of his father to the Lord in the first chapter: “Thy power, and goodness, and mercy are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!” (1 Nephi 1:14). The Savior’s goodness and mercy are for “all the inhabitants of the earth,” not just the Nephites or the literal descendants of Israel. Lehi further made this point when he said this: “Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise. Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved. And because of the intercession for all, all men come unto God” (2 Nephi 2:8-10). Christ made intercession for all the children of men, and all can receive His mercy and grace. Jacob similarly testified, “It behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him.” Christ died for all mankind. Jacob also testified, “And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam. And he suffereth this that the resurrection might pass upon all men” (2 Nephi 9:5, 21-22). Christ did not come into the world to save only a few of the Father’s children; He suffered the pains of all men, women, and children and brought to pass the resurrection for all. And all that hearken to His voice will be saved. Nephi taught, “For he is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him” (1 Nephi 10:18). God prepared the way for salvation for all through His Son before the foundation of the world.

            Nephi further taught about the universality of the Savior’s mission in his final chapters in 2 Nephi. He wrote, “He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.” Jesus Christ laid down His life for the benefit of the whole world, and He seeks to draw all unto Him. Nephi continued, “Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance. Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden.” Though Nephi also focused some of his writing on the Lord’s promises to the house of Israel, this was not done to the exclusion of others; all are invited to make covenants with the Lord and be His people. Nephi bore witness of the inclusiveness of the work of Jesus Christ with these powerful words: “He inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile” (2 Nephi 26:24, 27-28, 33). For me it is overwhelming to think of the sheer number of people who have lived and who currently live on the earth who have known little or nothing of Jesus Christ. But we trust that He knows them perfectly and His work will not leave them out. Nephi gave us these important words of the Savior, “Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?” (2 Nephi 29:7) The Book of Mormon powerfully declares that Jesus Christ knows all the nations of the earth and His work is to save all of His Father’s children.