Benjamin concludes this section of the discourse by declaring that “the time shall come when the knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.” Why does he select this theme as his conclusion?
He has been talking directly to and about his own people, yet he now broadens his message to include others as recipients of the gospel message. Modern Saints would hear this message in the context of universal missionary work and think, “Of course,” but the essence of Benjamin’s message is not the spread of the gospel (v. 20) but rather the application of gospel requirements to all people (v. 21). Benjamin contrasts “natural” yet “saved” infants with “natural” yet “condemned” men. What is the difference? It is the knowledge of the gospel. With it, men either choose to obey it (“yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit,” v. 19) or live contrary to it (“come out in open rebellion against God,” 2:37). What does this mean for those who, like children, do not know the law, yet, as men, are capable of choosing? Benjamin assures his listeners that they may yet be saved (Mosiah 3:11).
The New World contained more people who did not know the law than those who did. Benjamin’s people might have felt that they were being held to a higher standard and, hence, were vulnerable to greater condemnation than their Lamanite brethren. To combat this possible misconception, Benjamin stresses that eventually all will be accountable to gospel standards. His listeners are accountable right now; but eventually “none shall be found blameless before God, except it be little children, only through repentance and faith on the name of the Lord God Omnipotent.”