I would speculate that such folks are able to play catch up because at least some of the rest of us have had the necessary experience and can guide them along the way. Remember, that we are taught that although we are saved as individuals, we are exalted as families. That provides a vital clue as to how the catching up can be accomplished.

Under Satan’s plan, nobody would have any experience with the exercise of agency. We would not have to suffer for any sins–hence we would be saved and could dwell in God’s presence. But I believe that exaltation can only be achieved through the exercise of agency. God certainly has it and exercises it correctly. How can we become like him without learning to do the same? But Satan’s plan would make that utterly impossible. Everybody would have to play catch up, but there would be no mechanism for actually doing so.

First, one should also look at what Satan’s plan is now, to cause “that all men might be miserable like himself.”

Second, God told Joseph Smith in response to his prayer in Liberty Jail, “that all these things shall give the EXPERIENCE, and shall be for thy GOOD.” Surely he was not talking about this life.

The same also applies to the 85-year old man who gets baptized and then dies a short time later. We automatically think how lucky he his–but I don’t think this is so.

We come to this earth to progress, to learn, to have experiences. And we take these things, our intelligence, our character, our progression to the next life. I think those that died before the age of accountability will be playing some serious catch-up in the life to come. That is unless, of course, they’re sent back down to earth for another probation. Sorry, I channeled Geoff J. on that last one.

http://smallsimple.blogspot.com/2005/12/just-what-was-satans-plan-anyway.html

RT, I’ve had this post a note on my computer for two weeks or so and finally decided to post today (said to the tune of Twilight Zone music).

LL., I don’t know that I agree, Satan agreed with God’s plan (exaltation for all) he wanted to be the savior, he just wanted to make sure all of us made it but taking away our agency and he wanted God’s power and glory now! I really don’t think God stole Satan’s plan, but I wanted the headline to attract some attention!

It still leaves some questions for me.

1) I think our loyalty in the pre-existence isn’t forgotten, whether we die young and sinless or not. No free ride there.

2) We don’t qualify in any way for eternal life and are completely undeserving of it by our actions here. It cannot be earned and is a free gift from JC to all who will have faith and repent. So both the young sinless and the forgiven sinner are getting a free ride back to God. Our good works are a manifestation of our faith and love; they don’t save us, Jesus does.

Under Satan’s plan, as I understand it, everybody would be saved but nobody would be exalted (except, perhaps, Satan).

That formulation of the issue still leaves some troubling questions, but it does not lead to the conclusion that God stole Satan’s plan.