“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins,” said the angel of the Lord (as quoted in New Testament | Matthew 1:21).
There is a lot said in that little verse.
“He (Jesus) shall save His people from their sins”
“from their sins”
This is very different than what a lot of people wrongly think, which is “in their sins.”
There are a few things that even God cannot do, and one of them is to go against His own word. He has declared that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven, and therefore it would be impossible for Him to admit any individual who had not first been forgiven and cleansed of his or her sins (See also the argument made by Amulek in The Book of Mormon | Alma 11:37). This is why I say that Jesus cannot redeem people in their sins, but He can redeem people from their sins.
Besides, I imagine that I would feel absolutely miserable if, as a sinful person, I were admitted into God’s presence. But if I knew that my sins, though they once stood out as red as scarlet, were now forgiven and forgotten, and stood as stain-free white as the fresh fallen snow – then it would be a guilt-free delight to stand in God’s presence (see Old Testament | Isaiah 1:18 and Book of Mormon | Mormon 9:4).
“His people”
Who are “His people”?
The Son of God is the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth, and all things which in them are. He is the beginning and the end, the first and the last. He did come into the world to redeem His people. He did take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name. Those who believe on his name, and worship him in spirit and in truth are they that shall have eternal life. The prophets have been clear: salvation cometh to none else (see also Book of Mormon | Alma 38-40).
Said a different mouthpiece of the Lord, “Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord—I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God. For these are they whose sins he has borne; these are they for whom he has died, to redeem them from their transgressions. And now, are they not his seed?” (The Book of Mormon | Mosiah 15:10-12)
I love the Lord my God! I am ever amazed at His patience and wisdom. For the most part, He allows us to go about our lives here on earth without undo interference. He allows the sun to shine and bless both those that follow Him and those that do not (New Testament | Matthew 5:45). Likewise, He allows the rain and storms to fall on both the “wise” and the “foolish” (New Testament | Matthew 7:24-25).
Sometimes, horrific evils are allowed to occur. Other times the tragedies are played out on in a very personal and private stage. In our short-sightedness, we cannot understand and think that God is hiding, distant, or uncaring. In His overarching wisdom, He has already answered the most urgent of our concerns.
He sent a babe to earth.
That baby was raised by Mary and Joseph; that youth grew in favor with God and man, and lived a sinless life. Only He who was without blemish was worthy to act as the ultimate sacrificial lamb, and perform the necessary works of atoning for our sins.