2 Ne 9:27 wo unto him that has the law given…and that transgresseth them

Both of the scriptures in the book of Mosiah which teach of the redemption of those who were ignorant the laws of God are followed by warnings to those who have the law given to them. Jacob does the same thing. The Lord is merciful with the ignorant because they don’t know better. For those who have the law given, obedience is the best option. 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). Mosiah 3:12 states, But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he rebelleth against God! When Abinidi was teaching the wicked king Noah and his priests, he warned them against their sinful state, because they had the law given to them. Their sin was particularly heinous because of their willful rebellion against God:

   But behold, and fear, and tremble before God, for ye ought to tremble; for the Lord redeemeth none such that rebel against him and die in their sins; yea, even all those that have perished in their sins ever since the world began, that have wilfully rebelled against God, that have known the commandments of God, and would not keep them; these are they that have no part in the first resurrection.

   Therefore ought ye not to tremble? For salvation cometh to none such; for the Lord hath redeemed none such; yea, neither can the Lord redeem such; for he cannot deny himself; for he cannot deny justice when it has its claim (Mos 15:27-8).