Isaiah prophesied that an important part of the Messiah’s mission would be “to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound” (Isaiah 61:1).
As He hung on the cross, Jesus promised one of the thieves who was crucified with him, “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). He had earlier prophesied, “The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live” (John 5:25).
Peter explained that, after His death, Jesus “went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient” (1 Peter 3:19). Joseph F. Smith prayed to understand Peter’s words better and learned that the Savior “organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead” (Doctrine and Covenants 138:30).
President Smith indicated that this message is being carried to everyone who is willing to repent: “to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets” (Doctrine and Covenants 138:32).
Jacob taught that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, “Hell must deliver up its captive spirits” (2 Nephi 9:12). The work of freeing captives continues after death. The reach of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice is immeasurable.
Today, I will remember the Savior’s mission to set prisoners free. I will be grateful that this work is ongoing, both on this earth and in the postmortal world of spirits.
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