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Very timely, thorough and comprehensive article.
The only thing I question is the included quote from Bruce R. McConkie: “The atonement of Christ, being literally and truly infinite, applies to an infinite number of earths” (Page 226). Many former apostles have expressed this view, but rather than being Church doctrine it is a n opinion deducted from this scripture:
“And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son, I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.” (Moses 1:33)
If Jesus Christ created all worlds, then He would have atoned for them all. However, there are several problems with this concept.
Did those who lived long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away have wait until our Jesus was resurrected on our earth before they could be? This is not reasonable. Also, the brethren supporting this theory surmise that our resurrected Jesus visited these other worlds and testified of what He did on our earth. However, Joseph Smith stated, “There are no angels who minister to this earth but those who do belong or have belonged to it” (D&C 130:5). It would be reasonable to assume that this principle also applies to other worlds. Also, how could the beings on other worlds have faith in an atonement, death and resurrection that was not done on their earth with multiple witnesses?
“For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Cor 15:21-22).
“And the first man of all men have I called Adam, which is many” (Moses 1:24). There is an Adam for each world so their must also be a Christ for each world.
Aso, Jesus said, “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.” (John 5:19)
Joseph Smith explained that Jesus had seen His Farher atone for the sins of another world (Teachings 312, 346). Therefore, Jesus did not atone for the sins of all worlds.
The simplest way to reconcile this enigma is that in Moses 1:33, “the Son” is a priesthood office and title that is held by many individuals over time and space.