The Lord preserved the American continent as a “choice land” to which he could lead a righteous people where they could prosper in a land of freedom (see 1 Nephi 17:38). To the brother of Jared and the band of people who journeyed with hint, the Lord promised a land of inheritance that was “choice above all other lands.” This promise to the Jaredites, as well as to Lehi and his seed, is conditional.
Freedom from bondage and captivity is assured by the Lord, but only on principles of righteousness. Only a righteous people can possess and prosper in this promised land. A wicked people-who will not “serve him, the true and only God”-will eventually be “swept off” from the face of the earth.