D&C 1
Who the Lord considers as “His people” is not limited to the bounds of the membership of this church. This was especially true in the early days when He knew of so many who were earnestly striving to find Him who had not yet been introduced to the gospel. “That every man might speak in the name of God” did not only mean every man with the priesthood – it meant that every man might if he would seek the Lord. Likewise, “he that repents might be forgiven” is open to those who repent even if they still have not heard the good tidings.