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| − | ''Adapted from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.''
| + | #redirect [[Mormon Beliefs: Plan of Salvation]] |
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| − | The '''[http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/basic/purpose_life.htm Plan of Salvation]''', also known as the plan of happiness, plan of mercy and plan of redemption, is a fundamental teaching in Mormon doctrine. The plan of salvation represents the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ as it is experienced and lived by mankind. It's purpose, according to the Lord is "to bring to pass the [[immortality]] and [[eternal life]] of man" (Moses 1:39). It includes the [[Creation]], the [[Fall]], and the [[Atonement of Jesus Christ|Atonement]], along with all God-given laws, ordinances, and doctrines. After this life is the Resurrection, and Judgement.
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| − | Mormons believe that "through the [[Atonement of Jesus Christ|Atonement]] of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the [[First Principles of the Gospel|Gospel]]." (See Third [[Articles of Faith#Mormon|Article of Faith]].) Mankind may thus return to live with God as glorified, eternal beings. However, the conditions that Christ requires individuals to fulfil do not of themselves merit salvation, but are required for other reasons. It is only through His merits, mercy, and grace that salvation comes.
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| − | The gift of [[immortality]] is freely given to all because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and his subsequent [[Resurrection]] (See [http://scriptures.lds.org/1_cor/15/22 1 Corinthians 15:22]), although salvation from [[sin]], or spiritual [[death]], is conditional. Entrance to the highest Heavenly Kingdom, the "Celestial Kingdom" (See [http://scriptures.lds.org/1_cor/15/40 1 Corinthians 15:40]), is only granted to those who accept Jesus through [[baptism]] into the Church by its [[priesthood]] authority, follow Church doctrine, and live righteous lives. Faith alone, or faith without works, (i.e. dead faith), is not considered sufficient to attain exaltation. (See [http://scriptures.lds.org/james/2/26 James 2:26].)
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| − | [[Exaltation]] is the reward which Mormons believe is a gift given to the righteous who have endured faithfully, trusting in Jesus Christ and repenting of their sins. This includes those whose first opportunity to hear the gospel is in the afterlife (see [[Baptism for the Dead|baptism for the dead]]). Through the process of exaltation, a person can eventually become like Jesus Christ, or as it is expressed in scripture, a joint-heir with Him (See [http://scriptures.lds.org/rom/8/17 Romans 8:17].)
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| − | '''For More Information''' visit [http://salvation.scottsworld.info/theplans.htm#TOP The Plan of Salvation explained with illustration and scriptures], [http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org/plan_of_salvation.html The Plan of Salvation] on [http://www.meetmormonmissionaries.org/index.html MeetMormonMissionaries.org]
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| − | ==The Steps of the Plan of Salvation==
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| − | *[[Pre-Mortal Life|Pre-mortal Existence]][http://salvation.scottsworld.info/theplans.htm#PRE Pre Mortal Existence]
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| − | :Before a person is born into the mortal world (earth-life) we lived with Heavenly Father as his spirit children, all people are His children. We learned, formed relationships, and developed talents in the pre-mortal existence. However, we could only progress so far as spirit beings, so Heavenly Father provided a plan for us to have a way to become more like Him.
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| − | *Birth [http://salvation.scottsworld.info/theplans.htm#MORTALITY Mortality]
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| − | :Those who chose to follow Jesus Christ's plan in the pre-mortal life have been or will be born. Birth is the way they gain physical bodies, and is an important step in the plan of salvation. Those who did not were the 1/3 that were cast out with Lucifer who fought against the plan presented by Jesus Christ.
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| − | *[[Mortality]]
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| − | :This time on earth is like a test. Everyone needs to learn how to have faith in God and follow His commandments. People are also learning how to live in and lead families.
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| − | *[[Creation]] and [[Fall]]
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| − | :According to Mormonism these were necessary steps. The Fall is actually a positive event that provides the necessary mortal experience which is needed to become like God.
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| − | *[[Death]]
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| − | :Like birth, death is a doorway into a new life. Through death people again enter the Spirit world.
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| − | *[[Spirit World]] [http://salvation.scottsworld.info/theplans.htm#SWORLD Spirit World]
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| − | :In the spirit world there will be two conditions of existence, spirit prison; for those who did not have the opportunity to learn the gospel of Christ or who rejected it, and spirit paradise, for the righteous. Those in spirit prison will have the opportunity to learn about and accept the gospel.
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| − | :The term "spirit prison" does not have the same connotation as a "prison" on earth, but only means that a spirit in that condition cannot advance in light, knowledge and preparation for eternity until he receives the covenants of the gospel of Christ. Those who performed good works and did not commit major sins while living by the light and knowledge that they had, will rest from care and sorrow but will still need to progress, hence their condition can be described as a spirit prison, but it is a good place. The wicked, however, will suffer in spirit prison, though they will still have an opportunity to hear the plan of repentance, forgiveness, and salvation through Jesus Christ.
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| − | *[[Resurrection]]
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| − | :This is the reuniting of the body and spirit. Every person who has ever lived will be resurrected.
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| − | *Judgment [http://salvation.scottsworld.info/theplans.htm#JUDG Resurrection & Final Judgement]
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| − | :After resurrection, men are brought before the judgment bar of Christ. All will be judged for their actions during mortality. Each person will be put into one of four places based on his actions: the Celestial (highest) kingdom, Terrestrial kingdom, Telestial kingdom, Outer Darkness (equivalent of Hell, only a few will be sent here).
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| − | ==[[Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial Kingdoms|Kingdoms of Glory]]==
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| − | For Church members, the kingdoms of glory, as follows, are congruent with Christ's words in the New Testament: "In my house there are many mansions..."
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| − | The ''[[Celestial Kingdom]]''
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| − | (whose glory is compared to the brightness of the sun in the sky, as its inhabitants have all truth and light) is where the righteous will live with God and with their families. Those who have had the ordinance of eternal marriage, which is performed in [[Inside Mormon temples| temples]], and baptism may be exalted if they are found worthy by God. Accountable individuals must be repent and be baptized to gain entrance to the Celestial Kingdom. Mormonism teaches that all children who die before the age of accountability (age eight for people of sound mind) automatically inherit a celestial glory.
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| − | [http://salvation.scottsworld.info/theplans.htm#CELESTIAL Celestial]
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| − | Those good people who are not valiant in following Jesus or who do not accept the Gospel do not qualify for exaltation and will be consigned to the ''[[Terrestrial Kingdom]]'' (whose glory is compared to the brightness of the moon in the sky). This kingdom is one of great glory, but without the presence of God the Father. An ultimate willingness to keep the "law of carnal commandments" (the [[Ten Commandments]]) is considered essential to enter this kingdom. [http://salvation.scottsworld.info/theplans.htm#TERRESTRIAL Terrestrial ]
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| − | Murderers, other criminals, and the like who do not accept the [[Atonement of Jesus Christ]] will eventually spend eternity with people of like intent in the ''[[Telestial Kingdom]]'', and their glory will be as that of the stars in the night sky. This is also considered a kingdom of glory and has been described as being better than our current earthly life. All those who do not qualify for a higher degree of glory will automatically enter this kingdom unless they deny the [[Holy Ghost]], a sin it is believed very few people are able to commit. However, those who inherit this kingdom will still have to suffer for a time because of their sins and they will have to pay the penalty for their disobedience in life.
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| − | [http://salvation.scottsworld.info/theplans.htm##TELESTIAL Telestial]
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| − | Those few people who do deny the Holy Ghost, after gaining a literal witness that Jesus is the Christ and a full knowledge of the Gospel, willfully deny and contend against the Holy Ghost, are believed to inherit no glory. Most members of the Church refer to this place as [[Outer Darkness]]; this is not to be confused with traditional Christianity's definition of the term. Individuals so banished are called [[Sons of Perdition]]. Forgiveness is not possible for these souls, though they will be resurrected. Cain is an example of a son of perdition. He walked and talked with God, then used his agency to serve Satan.
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| − | [http://salvation.scottsworld.info/theplans.htm#OUTERDARKNESS Outer Darkness]
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| − | ==Enduring to the End==
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| − | Latter-day Saints believe that life involves enduring to the end, and is not just a "one-time" religious experience. A life of discipleship is daily spiritual maintenance, charitable works, and personal development — social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development. It also involves overcoming personal trials, attending church and the temple, rearing families, and doing work for the [[Baptism for the Dead|dead]]. Ultimately, the goal is [[sanctification]], the process of having the same character that God has: perfect love, perfect mercy, and perfect truth.
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| − | ==External Links==
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| − | == [http://salvation.scottsworld.info/theplans.htm#TOP '''Plan of Salvation explained with illustration and scriptures'''] ==
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| − | [[Category: Plan of Salvation]][[Category:Marriage and Families]]
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