2 Nephi 9:19-26

Jacob glorifies the mercy of God.  Through his plan of salvation, “he delivereth his saints from that awful monster the devil, and death, and hell” (2 Nephi 9:19).  The use of terms like serpent and monster is often used in the Book of Mormon.

[T]he Book of Mormon uses reptilian imagery in several ways, some of which fit closely with Mesoamerican traditions. Satan is described as "that old serpent" (2 Nephi 2:18; Mosiah 16:3). This image is broadened in other places to include "that awful monster the devil, and death, and hell" (2 Nephi 9:19; see 9:10 and 24:9), associating the reptilian monster not only with the devil but with death and the abode of some of the dead.[1]

“O how great the holiness of our God!  For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it” (2 Nephi 9:20).  When Alma₁’s people were in bondage, King Noah’s former wicked priest, Amulon, “commanded them that they should stop their cries; and he put guards over them to watch them, that whosoever should be found calling upon God should be put to death” (Mosiah 24:11).

Even though they were not allowed to cry unto the Lord, they continued to pour out their hearts to Him, “and he did not the thoughts of their heart” (Mosiah 24:12).

Solomon wrote, “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings” (Proverbs 5:21).

The Savior will come into the world to save all men who will listen to His voice.  His sufferings are for all who belong to “the family of Adam” (2 Nephi 9:21).  He will die and be resurrected so “all might stand before him at the great and judgment day” (2 Nephi 9:22).

All are commanded to repent and be baptized, to have faith in Christ.  If they don’t, “they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God” (2 Nephi 9:23).  “So the commandment is to "all men that they must repent" (2 Nephi 9:23; cf. 9:24). And the willingness to repent is the essential condition of God's covenant with men.”[2]

What if someone refuses to accept Christ and refuses to be baptized in His name “must be damned, for the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, has spoken it” (2 Nephi 9:24). 

The Lord would reveal to Alma₁, “For behold, this is my church; whosoever is baptized shall be baptized unto repentance.  And whomsoever ye receive shall believe in my name; and him will I freely forgive” (Mosiah 26:22).

In the great vision of the hereafter, the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith:

And again we bear record—for we saw and heard, and this is the testimony of the gospel of Christ concerning them who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just—

They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name, and this according to the commandment which he has given—

That by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power;

D&C 76:50-52

“One of the primary objectives of the ancient authors of the Book of Mormon was to show God's desire to save all his children.⁵¹ The authors were univocal on Christ's central role in that process (see, for example, 1 Nephi 13:40; 2 Nephi 9:23).”[3]

What about those who have not received the law?  Jacob reminds us a law has been given.  Channeling his father, Lehi (see 2 Nephi 2:13), he reminds us if there is no law, there is no punishment; where there is no punishment, there is no condemnation; where there is no condemnation, “the mercies of the Holy One of Israel have claim upon them, because of the atonement; for they are delivered by the power of him” (2 Nephi 9:25). 

Paul would tell the Romans, “Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression” (Romans 4:15). 

The atonement will satisfy the demands of justice for all who have not received the law.  “[T]hey 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” (2 Nephi 9:26).

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[1] Insights: An Ancient Window, Insights Volume - 18, Issue - 2, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed September 4, 2013.

[2] The True Points of My Doctrine, Noel B. Reynolds, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed September 5, 2013.

[3] Redeeming the Dead: Tender Mercies, Turning of Hearts, and Restoration of Authority.
David L. Paulsen, Kendel J. Christensen, and Martin Pulido, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed September 5, 2013.