13 And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and tongue, that thereby whosoever should believe that Christ should come, the same might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice with exceedingly great joy, even as though he had already come among them.

I’ve said this several times as I’ve posted about the Book of Mormon. But these verses again reveal one of the most radical doctrines of the Book of Mormon and of Latter-day revelation generally. Prophets throughout time knew and taught of Christ and moreover those who believed in him were blessed as though he had already come among them. While some blessings would need to wait Christ’s actual victory over death, most of the personal aspects of the Atonement were applicable from the dawn of time. Christ’s word and his bond as savior was so sure that all who came before his earthly ministry could with surety rely on his merits and grace. What confidence that inspires in the savior!