Universal Atonement

Two scriptures seem to indicate that Christ only paid for the sins of those who repent and follow him:

"He shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else" (Alma 11:40).

"All those who have hearkened unto [the prophets'] words...these are they whose sins he has borne" (Mosiah 15:11-12).

However, on a more complete study of the subject, it is abundantly evident that Christ atoned for the sins of all, as described in the following passages:

"...The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Isaiah 53:6).

"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" (2 Nephi 9:21).

"For he is the same yesterday, to-day, 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).

"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" (2 Nephi 26:24).

"The Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him" (D&C 18:11).

"I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent" (D&C 19:16).

In paying for the sins of all, he has removed an excuse that could keep some from following Him. If he had paid only for the sins of those who would ultimately repent and follow Him, someone could excuse himself or herself by saying that they were among those whose sins he didn't pay for. Thus, they would have little incentive to cast aside their sins. However, He has paid for the sins of all. His gift awaits those willing to pay the price. What love He must have for us, to willingly pay for the sins of those He knew would not repent and follow Him! He did it because of His great love for each one of us. He did it to leave us “without excuse” (D&C 88:82), and to provide a powerful incentive to follow Him.

I am compelled to exclaim, “Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me! Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!” (Hymns #193). He lives, and because He lives, we, too, shall live!

May we daily repent of our sins, so that we may lay hold of this priceless gift.