How do people in other worlds get atoned for their sins?

Question

Gramps,

How do other worlds get atoned for their sins when Jesus Christ chose to physically and spiritually be crucified and atone for our sins here?

Sara

Answer

Sara,

The Book of Mormon prophet Amulek taught that “there should be a great and last sacrifice… but it must be an infinite and eternal sacrifice” (Alma 34:10). This description is mirrored in modern revelation, which states,

For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I. (Doctrine and Covenants [D&C] 19:16-17)

It is explicit in the scriptures that Jesus Christ’s atonement is not limited to the inhabitants of this earth. Rather, it is truly infinite in its reach—a principle stated with clarity in D&C 76:22–24:

22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

 

23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

 

24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

The preface to this section of scripture declares: “The inhabitants of many worlds are begotten sons and daughters unto God through the atonement of Jesus Christ.”

This teaching is corroborated by Church leaders and in student manuals:

The infinite Atonement affects worlds without number and will save all of God’s children except sons of perdition. From this and other scriptures learn that, representing the Father and serving his purpose ‘to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man,’ Jesus Christ, in the sense of being its Creator and Redeemer, is the Lord of the whole universe.

Therefore, the infinite nature of Christ’s sacrifice is not merely a comforting theological abstraction, but a revealed doctrine: Jesus Christ is the Creator and Redeemer of “worlds without number,” and his Atonement is cosmic in scope.

If Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of “worlds without number,” why was His mortal ministry—including the Atonement—confined to this seemingly unremarkable planet? Why must inhabitants of other worlds exercise faith in a Savior who lived, died, and was resurrected in a distant time and place?

The plainest answer given in the scriptures is that God has not revealed the full answer to His children at this time. When Moses stood in the presence of God, the Lord told him:

And the Lord God said unto Moses: For mine own purpose have I made these things. Here is wisdom and it remaineth in me…

 

But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you. For behold, there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power. And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they unto man; but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them.” (Moses 1:31, 35)

This passage teaches two fundamental points:

1. God’s creations are innumerable to man. If God were to reveal even a fraction of His knowledge of each world and its inhabitants, it would exceed the capacity of mortal minds to receive or record.

2. God’s revelations to us are focused on what we need for salvation here. The Lord said, “only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you… I will speak unto thee concerning this earth upon which thou standest; and thou shalt write the things which I shall speak.” (Moses 1:35, 40)

While many have speculated as to why Christ’s atoning sacrifice took place on this earth, the consensus is humility before divine mystery. The specific reasons for choosing this world—and not another—belong to God alone.

Some scriptural hints invite further thought. When Enoch spoke with the Lord about the wickedness on earth, God said, “among all the workmanship of mine hands there has not been so great wickedness as among thy brethren.” (Moses 7:36)  Later, modern revelation states that Christ “descended below all things” (D&C 88:6; D&C 122:8).

Some faithful commentators speculate that the extremes of wickedness on this earth, and perhaps the presence of great righteousness as well, might have made this world the stage for Christ’s ultimate act of condescension. But it remains only speculation; the official position of The Church is that God, in His wisdom, has chosen not to reveal these details at this time.

While the location of Christ’s mortal mission is a sacred mystery, the universal reach of His Atonement is a revealed fact. According to Church doctrine, the demands of justice are satisfied by Christ wherever He redeems, not because of geographical location but because of His divine stewardship over all the worlds He has created.

Furthermore, the parable in D&C 88:51-61 illustrates that Jesus visits all His creations; it is assumed that He establishes the gospel, ordains ministers, and organizes His Church on other worlds just as He did here.

The inhabitants of other worlds are not left ignorant or unaided. Modern revelation and prophetic teachings suggest they are aware of the wickedness and struggles faced on our earth. D&C 38:11-12 describes how “all eternity is pained” and “the hosts of heaven” are aware of mankind’s corruption, and “silence reign[s]” in response.

From a doctrinal standpoint, it is not the physical location but the infinite authority and capacity of Christ that matters: “Now our Lord’s jurisdiction and power extend far beyond the limits of this one small earth on which we dwell. He is, under the Father, the Creator of worlds without number … the atonement of Christ, being literally and truly infinite, applies to an infinite number of earth[s].”

Gramps