2 Nephi 9:6

Brant Gardner

Jacob describes the merciful plan of the great Creator. That he uses the title of Creator is meant to show that this is a plan set as part of the original creation. From the origins of the creation of this earth, it was understood that death would come to humankind, and, therefore, it would be required that there be a power of resurrection. Without death, resurrection is unnecessary.

Thus, from the creation of the earth, it was understood that that there would be a fall. Jacob lists two effects of that fall. The first is death, requiring a resurrection. The second is that there was instituted the possibility, and the assurance, that there would be transgression. Transgression would cut humankind off from the presence of Jehovah, which is undesirable.

At this point, perhaps Jacob’s audience would recall that Isaiah had made pains to show that it was transgression of Jehovah’s laws that removed them from Jehovah’s protection.

Book of Mormon Minute

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