In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we often talk about the plan of salvation. This is the topic that the youth in the Church will be focusing throughout the month of February.
What is the plan of salvation? This index entry on the plan of salvation at lds.org gives a simple summary:
In the premortal existence, Heavenly Father prepared a plan to enable us to become like Him and receive a fulness of joy. The scriptures refer to this plan as “the plan of salvation” (Alma 24:14; Moses 6:62), “the great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8), “the plan of redemption” (Jacob 6:8; Alma 12:30), and “the plan of mercy” (Alma 42:15). The plan of salvation is the fulness of the gospel. It includes the Creation, the Fall, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and all the laws, ordinances, and doctrines of the gospel. Moral agency, the ability to choose and act for ourselves, is also essential in Heavenly Father’s plan. Because of this plan, we can be perfected through the Atonement, receive a fulness of joy, and live forever in the presence of God. Our family relationships can last throughout the eternities.
The new youth curriculum gives scriptural references that explain more about the plan of salvation, and also includes many questions that people often have that an understanding of the plan of salvation can help with. For example, see the following questions. You can follow the links for scriptures, videos, talks from Mormon church leaders, and more.
- What is the plan of salvation?
- What happened in my premortal life?
- What is the purpose of life?
- Why do the choices I make matter?
- Why do we have adversity?
- How can I find comfort when someone I care about dies?
- Why should I treat my body like a temple?
See all the videos available this month on the topic of the plan of salvation also at this Mormon Channel page.
Why do yall believe that family relationships can last throughout the eternities? The Bible clearly states that Jesus said after the resurection they will neither marry nor be given in marriage (matthew 22:30; Mark 12:25; Luke 20:35 King James Version)? Just curious. Thanks.
julia,
Thanks for your question. It’s not an uncommon one.
We believe in living prophets, in continuous revelation. We love and cherish and use the Bible, and we also believe God continues to speak in our day. Through prophets, God has taught that marriage is central to His plan and through prieshtood authority that has been restored, in sacred temples, marriages and families can be sealed not just until death do us part, but for eternity.
I like how the answer is phrased here: “There is no Biblical obstacle to the doctrine of eternal marriage. This doctrine is consistent with the Bible, but it is not drawn from it. As in all things, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is guided by modern revelation, and the doctrine of eternal marriage came to the church through this means.”