This expression has ominous implications for those to whom it is applied. Nephi had taught to his people the now-familiar phrase: “For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23). What have the Nephites of Mormon’s day done to merit the infinite grace of the Lord of mercy? Nothing. Therefore, divine grace is withdrawn. And without grace, there is no prospect of receiving the blessing of eternal life. In Mormon’s words (cited later by his son Moroni), we learn: “For no man can be saved, according to the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name; wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made” (Moroni 7:38). Such is the state of affairs with the Nephites around AD 345 on the eve of their total annihilation.