Overview
This summary outlines core beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding humanity's origin, purpose on earth, and destiny after death, as described in the Plan of Salvation.
Our Divine Origin and Purpose
- Latter-day Saints believe all people are spirit children of God, our Heavenly Father, who loves us.
- God's goal is to help His children achieve immortality and eternal life with Him.
- Before birth, we lived with God as spirits and chose to come to earth to progress.
Mortal Life and Agency
- Mortal life provides a physical body and experiences to help us learn and progress.
- God grants agency, allowing individuals to choose between good and evil.
- Obeying God's commandments and receiving ordinances, such as baptism, are key parts of His plan.
- Ordinances are covenants, or promises, made with God in exchange for blessings.
Role of Jesus Christ
- God foresaw human imperfection and sent Jesus Christ as Savior and Redeemer.
- Jesus established His church, taught the gospel, and atoned for human sins through His suffering, death, and resurrection.
- Through Christ’s sacrifice, individuals can repent, be forgiven, and will eventually be resurrected.
Death, Spirit World, and Resurrection
- After death, spirits leave bodies and enter the spirit world to await resurrection.
- The spirit world is a place of rest for the righteous and an opportunity to accept the gospel for others.
- At resurrection, spirits reunite with perfected, immortal bodies.
Judgment and Degrees of Glory
- After resurrection, everyone is judged by God with Christ as advocate, based on earthly choices and personal growth.
- Assignments are made to one of three degrees of glory: Celestial (highest), Terrestrial, or Telestial; the most wicked go to outer darkness.
- The celestial kingdom is for those who fully embrace the gospel and keep covenants, living eternally with God and family.
Exaltation and Eternal Life
- The greatest blessing is exaltation—living forever with God and loved ones in the celestial kingdom.
- The Plan of Salvation explains humanity’s journey: pre-earth life, mortal experience, post-mortal spirit world, resurrection, judgment, and final assignment.