One of the most fundamental principles of the justice of God is that He will judge us according to the amount of light, truth, and knowledge which we were privileged to receive in mortality. This is the primary difference between the Lamanites and the Nephites. The Lamanites were ignorant of God because of the transgressions of their fathers. Therefore, their fathers are partially to blame for their wickedness. Lehi told Laman's posterity, if ye are cursed, behold, I leave my blessing upon you, that the cursing may be taken from you and be answered upon the heads of your parents (2 Nephi 4:5). For the atonement satisfieth the demands of his justice upon all those who have not the law given to them (2 Nephi 9:26).
On the other hand, the Nephites were rebellious after having had so much light and so much knowledge given unto them of the Lord their God (v. 19). Their punishments are thereby more severe. For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation (DC 82:3).
Similarly, endowed members of the church today should understand that there is no going back. After having been given such great knowledge of the goodness and mysteries of God, they are responsible for keeping their covenants. The word of the Lord as given to the Missouri saints applies equally well to them, beware from henceforth, and refrain from sin, lest sore judgments fall upon your heads (DC 82:2).
"…one who fails to live up to his covenants tries to hide first by looking for loopholes in the language of the endowment. Brigham Young has commented on the futility and hypocrisy of this procedure; there is no way, he observes, by which one can possibly misunderstand or wrest the language of the covenants, no matter how determined one is to do it. We can rationalize with great zeal—and that is the next step—but never escape from our defensive position." (Donald W. Parry, Temples of the Ancient World, p. 610)
Bruce R. McConkie
"Those who are not able and determined to keep the commandments are better off outside the Church, 'For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.' (D. & C. 82:3.)" (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, vol. 1, p. 504)
Brigham Young
"Those who do not profess to know anything of the Lord are far better off than we are, unless we live our religion, for we who know the Master's will and do it not will be beaten with few stripes. This is perfectly reasonable. We cannot chastise a child for doing that which is contrary to our wills, if he knows no better; but when our children are taught better and know what is required of them, if they then rebel, of course, they expect to be chastised, and it is perfectly right that they should be." (Journal of Discourses, vol. 16, p. 111)