“No man or woman in this dispensation
will ever enter into the celestial kingdom of God
without the consent of Joseph Smith.”
— Brigham Young
Second Mormon prophet
"Intelligence, etc."
General Conference, Salt Lake City
Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 1, p. 188
To understand the LDS view of salvation, it is helpful to first understand these LDS doctrines:
- God was once a mortal and sinful man who progressed to godhood—an exalted man.
- God possesses a body of flesh and bones.
- God is married to Heavenly Mother(s).
- Mormons may become gods.
Pre-Earth Life
The LDS church teaches that humans exist first as spirit babies, the offspring of God the Father and Mother. Their spirit babies are sent down to earth and given a physical body through the conception of human parents.
Man was also in the beginning with God. | |
 | — Doctrine and Covenants
|
- The 10th Mormon prophet expounds upon this doctrine.
"Man, as a spirit, was begotten and born of heavenly parents, and reared to maturity in the eternal mansions of the Father, prior to coming upon the earth in a temporal [physical] body." | |
| — Joseph Fielding Smith
10th Mormon prophet |
- He also taught that God has populated many earths.
MANY EARTHS INHABITED BY OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS. We are not the only people that the Lord has created. We have brothers and sisters on other earths. They look like us because they, too, are the children of God and were created in his image, for they are also his offspring. | |
| — Joseph Fielding Smith
10th Mormon prophet
|
Lucifer Rebels
Mormonism teaches that Jesus Christ, the first-born spirit child, and Lucifer, the second-born spirit child are brothers. Both volunteered to be the savior of mankind. However, when God chose Jesus, Lucifer rebelled and caused a celestial split. Those who sided with Heavenly Father and Jesus were permitted to come to earth and experience mortality, while those who sided with Lucifer were expelled and forever denied a physical body.
Satan, who was called Lucifer, also came, saying, "Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind".... Because our Heavenly Father chose Jesus Christ to be our Savior, Satan became angry and rebelled. | |
 | — Gospel Principles, Ch. 3
"Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior"
|
- The name Lucifer comes from an improper translation in the King James Version (KJV), whose name only appears once (Isaiah 14:12). Modern translations correct this, as the passage does not refer to the devil but to the king of Babylon. Note: the Book of Mormon repeats the KJV error. 2 Nephi 24:12
- In LDS doctrine, the punishment of being denied a physical body is severe, as a body is a prerequisite to receive exaltation. Doctrine and Covenants 93:33-34.
- This creates an inconsistency in LDS doctrine:
- How was Jesus Christ a god before his physical conception through Mary?
- How did the Holy Ghost become a god without a body of flesh and bones?
Atonement at Gethsemane
Citing Luke 22:44, Mormonism teaches that the atonement began in the garden of Gethsemane, contrary to Jesus’ Apostles who teach that the atonement was on the cross.
- It is interesting to note that the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price do not mention Gethsemane, despite its significance in LDS doctrine.
Three Heavens — Three Degrees of Glory
Citing 2 Corinthians 12:2, Mormonism teaches that there are three heavens, with each level a higher degree of glory.
- After death, our spirit waits for the final Judgment Day in one of two places:
-
Paradise
A temporary abode of happiness and peace reserved for obedient Mormons. -
Spirit Prison (Hell)
For non-Mormons. Here, spirits can accept Mormonism and transfer to Paradise provided they were baptized by proxy. Note: this is contrary to the Book of Mormon which teaches there are no second chances. Alma 34:32-35 -
Resurrection & Judgment Day
All spirits are resurrected and reunited with the physical body. All will stand before God and be judged according to their works, and their eternal destinations assigned. -
Three Heavens
There are three levels / degrees of glory: -
Celestial Glory
Reserved for the most obedient Mormons who fulfilled certain duties like priesthood, temple marriages, etc. This level has full access to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Mormons who achieve this level become a god and start the cycle again by conceiving spirit babies to populate their own planets. -
Terrestrial Glory
Reserved for good people and Mormons who fall short. There is no access to Heavenly Father, only Jesus Christ. -
Telestial Glory
The lowest of glories, reserved for those in spirit prison. -
Perdition
Reserved for those who reject Jesus Christ, including Lucifer and his followers.
LDS Plan of Salvation
Saved By Works
Mormonism teaches that in order to enter the Celestial Heaven, the highest degree of glory, one must perform various works (e.g., priesthood, temple endowments, temple weddings, etc.) and be obedient to church rules (e.g., tithing, *Word of Wisdom, etc.).
- A revelation that encourages healthy living while prohibiting tobacco, alcohol, tea and coffee. D&C 89
We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. | |
 | — Articles of Faith
|
For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, *after all we can do. | |
 | — 2 Nephi
|
- How do we know if we have done “all we can do”?
Salvation through Joseph Smith
No man or woman in this dispensation will ever enter into the celestial kingdom of God without the consent of Joseph Smith... every man and woman must have the certificate of Joseph Smith, junior, as a passport to their entrance into the mansion where God and Christ are. | |
 | — Brigham Young
Second Mormon prophet |
Every spirit that confesses that Joseph Smith is a Prophet, that he lived and died a Prophet and that the Book of Mormon is true, is of God, and every spirit that does not is of anti-Christ. | |
| — Brigham Young
Second Mormon prophet |
If ever you enter into the kingdom of God it is because Joseph Smith let you go there. | |
| — Brigham Young
Second Mormon prophet |
I tell you, Joseph holds the keys, and none of us can get into the celestial kingdom without passing by him.... If brother Joseph is satisfied with you, you may pass. If it is all right with him, it is all right with me. | |
 | — Orson Hyde
Mormon apostle |
Every intelligent person under the heavens that does not, when informed, acknowledge that Joseph Smith, Jun., is a Prophet of God, is in darkness, and is opposed to us and to Jesus and his kingdom on the earth. | |
| — Brigham Young
Second Mormon prophet |
Believe in God, believe in Jesus, and believe in Joseph his Prophet, and in Brigham his successor. And I add, "If you will believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is the Christ, that Joseph was a Prophet, and that Brigham was his successor, you shall be saved in the kingdom of God," which I pray, in the name of Jesus, may be the case. Amen. | |
 | — Joseph Young
Mormon Seventy |
Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. | |
| — Doctrine and Covenants
|
