“Whosoever Will May Walk Therein and Be Saved”

Salvation is available to all who choose the path of faith and obedience. None are excluded from walking that path. Those who die without the opportunity to walk that path in this life, and yet would have done so had the opportunity come, will be granted that blessing in the world to come. Thus came the word of the Lord to the Prophet Joseph Smith: “All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom; for I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desires of their hearts” (D&C 137:7-9).

“Whosoever Will May Walk Therein and Be Saved”

It is occasionally taught that some were born into this life without the capacity to obtain the fulness of the Father. The idea suggests that God is without the capacity to save all of his creations, and that he has given commandments to some which they cannot keep. Such suggestions are neither flattering to God nor in accord with scriptural writ. Indeed, the third Articles of Faith states:

“We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved [meaning exalted], by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”

Again, Nephi asked:

“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.” (2 Nephi 26:27-28.)

If the command to accept the gospel is to all, the promise of its blessings must likewise be to all.

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 3

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