2 Nephi 9:26-29

26  For the atonement satisfieth the demands of his justice upon all those who have not the law given to them, that they are delivered from that awful monster, death and hell, and the devil, and the lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment; and they are restored to that God who gave them breath, which is the Holy One of Israel.
27  But wo unto him that has the law given, yea, that has all the commandments of God, like unto us, and that transgresseth them, and that wasteth the days of his probation, for awful is his state!

2 Nephi 9:25-27 (Emphasis mine)

I've heard this question many times - What happens to those who die without hearing about Jesus?  A response I reject is that they will end up in hell, cut off from God.  As I study the Gospel, this response makes no sense.  Where's the justice of God?  How can He punish someone who have no heard of Christ, the Bible, or the Gospel?  History is full of people like this.

Jacob gives us the answer.  To paraphrase, the atonement will step in and meet the demands of justice for those who have not heard the Gospel.  They are delivered from hill and restored to the Holy One of Israel.

13  (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
14  Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
15  But not as the offence, so also is the free gift.  For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
16  And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
17  For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Romans 5:13-17 (Emphasis mine)

Verse 27 begins what I've considered the "wo's"  scriptures.  Jacob begins to warn us of the consequences of ignoring God, His teachings, and His commandments.  He warns us of the consequences of these poor decisions.

He begins by warning those of us who have received the law.  Jacob warns that, if you have the law, and you violate the law, you are committing sin. Not only are you committing sin, you are basically wasting your life.  

In the October 2006 General Conference, Elder Richard G. Scott said:

"There are those who attempt to scale a difficult rock cliff by a method called “soloing.” They ascend alone, without equipment, companions, or any secure protection. They depend on their own skill and capacity. They do it for the thrill of living on the edge with high risk. It is done despite the probability that in time they will fall and be seriously injured or lose their life. They are like many who face the challenges and temptations of life without the security of following the commandments of God, guided by the Holy Spirit. In today’s difficult world they will almost surely violate critical laws, with painful, destructive consequences. Do not “solo” in life. You will almost certainly fall into transgression ... When you learn those commandments, continue to practice them, and have a plan to avoid danger, you will have a secure means of obtaining protection against Satan’s temptations. You will develop strength of character that will fortify you against transgression. Should you make a wrong move, there need be no enduring problem because of the belaying or help that is available through your repentance.Let the Savior be your “lead” in life." (Emphasis mine)

In the October 2008 General Conference, Elder James J. Hamula said:

"Therefore, Satan is marshalling every resource at his disposal to entice you into transgression. He knows that if he can draw you into transgression, he may prevent you from serving a full-time mission, marrying in the temple, and securing your future children in the faith, all of which weakens not only you but the Church. He knows that nothing can overthrow God’s kingdom 'save it [be] the transgression of [his] people.' (Mosiah 27:13)" (Emphasis mine)

17  Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

James 4:17 (Emphasis mine)

28  O that cunning plan of the evil one!  O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men!  When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not.  And they shall perish.
29  But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.

2 Nephi 9:28-29 (Emphasis mine)

What is it about us that makes us think we are so wise when we think we know a lot about something?  It's easy to become (frequently unintentionally) proud because of this knowledge.  It's easier to ignore those who don't know as much as we do.  In fact, they should be partaking of our profound wisdom.

As a science teacher, sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the knowledge and learning of science.  It feels like I'm learning all the explanations.  I'm becoming quite a bright and brilliant person. 

17  This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

18  Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
19  Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Ephesians 4:17-19 (Emphasis mine)

God gives us knowledge and learning to help us become better people.  Through this learning, we can become away of the teachings of the Gospel and apply them in our lives.  We can become closer to God, having a life full of happiness and joy, ultimately leading to returning back to God for all eternity.