Salvation
What is salvation?
How does one become saved?
How does salvation affect a person's life?
How does salvation affect a person's condition after they have died?
What would have been the result been of not having the atonement of JesusChrist to save us from our sins?
What is salvation?
To put it simply salvation is the result of becoming at one with God and his laws again. To be forgiven of ones sins and to be washed clean of the consequences and results of them. To be redeemed from the consequences of Adams Transgression and to be brought back into the presence of God through the ressurection.To be with God forevermore.
Thus salvation is two-fold.
#1 The remission of ones sins so that they are found clean before God.
#2 Freedom from the result of Adams Transgression and the reception of a ressurected Body. The Body and Sprit are reunited again never to be divided. The reception of an immortal, incorrupt and glorious body like unto the Body that Jesus Christ obtained through his ressurection. Thus he is the first fruits of those who slept. (Phillip 3:21)
We believe that only Jesus Christ of all mankind who has ever lived has been at one with God throughout his lifetime. He was the perfect example and was a sinless man... in perfect harmony with God and his laws throughout his life. Whereas, everyone else has fallen short of his example and commited transgressions and sins wherein we rebell against God, doing our own will instead of what we know we should do.
Thus all mankind is fallen... all mankind is in a lost state, in a state contrary to the Laws of God. Salvation is the result of becoming at one with God once again.
This can only be done through the atonement of Jesus Christ. Through the plan of happiness given to us by God we can be forgiven of our sins and once more be reconcilled to God.
How then is an individual saved? And who is the example of a perfect/saved individual? Jesus Christ: (A of F 1:4)
We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are:
#1. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
How does one become saved?
How does salvation affect a person's life?
How does salvation affect a person's condition after they have died?
What would have been the result been of not having the atonement of JesusChrist to save us from our sins?
What is salvation?
To put it simply salvation is the result of becoming at one with God and his laws again. To be forgiven of ones sins and to be washed clean of the consequences and results of them. To be redeemed from the consequences of Adams Transgression and to be brought back into the presence of God through the ressurection.To be with God forevermore.
Thus salvation is two-fold.
#1 The remission of ones sins so that they are found clean before God.
#2 Freedom from the result of Adams Transgression and the reception of a ressurected Body. The Body and Sprit are reunited again never to be divided. The reception of an immortal, incorrupt and glorious body like unto the Body that Jesus Christ obtained through his ressurection. Thus he is the first fruits of those who slept. (Phillip 3:21)
We believe that only Jesus Christ of all mankind who has ever lived has been at one with God throughout his lifetime. He was the perfect example and was a sinless man... in perfect harmony with God and his laws throughout his life. Whereas, everyone else has fallen short of his example and commited transgressions and sins wherein we rebell against God, doing our own will instead of what we know we should do.
Thus all mankind is fallen... all mankind is in a lost state, in a state contrary to the Laws of God. Salvation is the result of becoming at one with God once again.
This can only be done through the atonement of Jesus Christ. Through the plan of happiness given to us by God we can be forgiven of our sins and once more be reconcilled to God.
How then is an individual saved? And who is the example of a perfect/saved individual? Jesus Christ: (A of F 1:4)
We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are:
#1. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
Faith is not merely a belief in Jesus Christ. It is a moving thought/mindset to action. It promotes behavior that is in accordance with God's will for man. It leads an individual to the next step in the process. Namely that of Repentance, and the receipt of Baptism and the Holy Ghost. It is only through this faith that a person has the motivation to repent, and forsake their sins the basis of Repentance.
God want's ust to believe first - then he will confirm that belief and solidify it. If he were to prove it to us and we were not to belief - our condemnation would be assured.
God want's ust to believe first - then he will confirm that belief and solidify it. If he were to prove it to us and we were not to belief - our condemnation would be assured.
#2. Repentance;
Remember that no matter what you do - you cannot of yourself atone for the transgression that you have committed!
You are under the penalty of Sin, and nothing you can do, I repeat nothing you can do, can overcome the effects of this. Those effects are Separation from God, and Physical Death.
Our Salvation is based solely upon the Grace of Jesus Christ and our obedience to his qualifications required to receive a remission of sins. He is a God of Truth and Love, and cannot lie, if a person repents they will be forgiven! Mosiah 26:29-31
Although lists don't cut the mustard as far as what true repentance is they can be helpful here is a published list from the Church Website:
Youth - Questions and Answers: TOPIC What do I need to do to repent
“Repentance is a painful process, but it leads to forgiveness and lasting peace. . . . Repentance includes the following elements:
Satan is the great deceiver - his purpose is to cause us to hide our sins and not to repent of them. Confession is a means by which an individuals sins are no longer in the dark - they are no longer hidden and unseen. Satan wants people to keep their sins hidden to deceive others by not telling and promote fear in the fact that their weaknesses/sins will become known to others. The Lords plan is greater, through confession the devil loses this power over the individual, there is no more fear, nor is their deception, their weaknesses have been shown to others and thus Satan's power over them is removed. Without this Satan, can use fear and deception to cause the individual to maintain his secrecy - to avoid confession and to deny that there is even any sin at all!
I Believe Repentance can best be summed up in the words of Moroni: Moroni 10:32-34
Why is Baptism Important?
Baptism is a Covenant - between God and Man. Without a covenant there is no power.
“Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby God hath ordained for man to come to Him to be saved, and enter into the kingdom of God, except faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins, and any other course is in vain; then you have the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
How is a covenant made?
Generally speaking a covenant may have four parts associated with it. (Very much like a treaty in Old Testament Times)
The gift of the Holy Ghost is the means by which an individual receives Sanctification and Conversion.
Remember that no matter what you do - you cannot of yourself atone for the transgression that you have committed!
You are under the penalty of Sin, and nothing you can do, I repeat nothing you can do, can overcome the effects of this. Those effects are Separation from God, and Physical Death.
Our Salvation is based solely upon the Grace of Jesus Christ and our obedience to his qualifications required to receive a remission of sins. He is a God of Truth and Love, and cannot lie, if a person repents they will be forgiven! Mosiah 26:29-31
Although lists don't cut the mustard as far as what true repentance is they can be helpful here is a published list from the Church Website:
Youth - Questions and Answers: TOPIC What do I need to do to repent
“Repentance is a painful process, but it leads to forgiveness and lasting peace. . . . Repentance includes the following elements:
- “Faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The power of sin is great. To become free from it, you must turn to your Heavenly Father and pray in faith. Satan may try to convince you that you are not worthy to pray—that Heavenly Father is so displeased with you that He will never hear your prayers. This is a lie. Your Father in Heaven is always ready to help you if you will come to Him with a repentant heart. . . .
- “Sorrow for Sin. In order to be forgiven, you must first acknowledge within yourself that you have sinned. If you are striving to live the gospel, such an acknowledgment will lead to ‘godly sorrow,’ which ‘worketh repentance to salvation’ (2 Corinthians 7:10). Godly sorrow does not come because of the natural consequences of sin or because of a fear of punishment; rather, it comes from the knowledge that you have displeased your Heavenly Father and your Savior. When you experience godly sorrow, you have a sincere desire for change and a willingness to submit to every requirement for forgiveness.
- “Confession. . . . Essential to forgiveness is a willingness to disclose fully to your Heavenly Father all that you have done. Kneel before Him in humble prayer, acknowledging your sins. Confess your shame and guilt, and then plead for help.
- “Serious transgressions, such as violations of the law of chastity, may jeopardize your membership in the Church. Therefore, you need to confess these sins to both the Lord and His representatives in the Church. . . .
- “Abandonment of Sin. Although confession is an essential element of repentance, it is not enough. The Lord has said, ‘By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them’ (D&C 58:43). Maintain an unyielding, permanent resolve that you will never repeat the transgression. . . .
- “Restitution. You must restore as far as possible all that has been damaged by your actions, whether that is someone’s property or someone’s good reputation. Willing restitution shows the Lord that you will do all you can to repent.
- “Righteous Living. It is not enough to simply try to resist evil or empty your life of sin. You must fill your life with righteousness and engage in activities that bring spiritual power. Immerse yourself in the scriptures. Pray daily for the Lord to give you strength beyond your own. At times, fast for special blessings” (True to the Faith, 133–35).
Satan is the great deceiver - his purpose is to cause us to hide our sins and not to repent of them. Confession is a means by which an individuals sins are no longer in the dark - they are no longer hidden and unseen. Satan wants people to keep their sins hidden to deceive others by not telling and promote fear in the fact that their weaknesses/sins will become known to others. The Lords plan is greater, through confession the devil loses this power over the individual, there is no more fear, nor is their deception, their weaknesses have been shown to others and thus Satan's power over them is removed. Without this Satan, can use fear and deception to cause the individual to maintain his secrecy - to avoid confession and to deny that there is even any sin at all!
I Believe Repentance can best be summed up in the words of Moroni: Moroni 10:32-34
32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.
34 And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead. Amen.
#3 Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins;Why is Baptism Important?
Baptism is a Covenant - between God and Man. Without a covenant there is no power.
“Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby God hath ordained for man to come to Him to be saved, and enter into the kingdom of God, except faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins, and any other course is in vain; then you have the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
How is a covenant made?
Generally speaking a covenant may have four parts associated with it. (Very much like a treaty in Old Testament Times)
- The ritual/ordinance done through the priesthood – Symbolism involved
- The promise/oath – a promise/commitment to do something, action is required
- The name – the taking upon one’s self a new name or designation – you are different afterwards
- The blessing/reward/protection provided
The gift of the Holy Ghost is the means by which an individual receives Sanctification and Conversion.
- Revealer of Truth - enlightens and brings things to our rememberance
- Sanctifier of Mankind - receive remission of sins
- Empowers Mankind with spiritual gifts
- Confirms and Seals all blessings upon an individuatl
D&C 76:50-53, 69-70
50 Those of the ressurection of the Just
51 Those who receive the testimony of Jesus - believed on his name - baptized after his burial - according to the commandment
52 by keeping the commandments - they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins - receiving the Holy ghost by one ordained to this power
53 Those who overcome by faith - and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise - unto all the just and true
69 Just men - made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant - wrought out this perfect atonement through his own blood
70 These are they who's bodies are Celestial - even the Glory of God - the highest of all.
50 Those of the ressurection of the Just
51 Those who receive the testimony of Jesus - believed on his name - baptized after his burial - according to the commandment
52 by keeping the commandments - they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins - receiving the Holy ghost by one ordained to this power
53 Those who overcome by faith - and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise - unto all the just and true
69 Just men - made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant - wrought out this perfect atonement through his own blood
70 These are they who's bodies are Celestial - even the Glory of God - the highest of all.
How does salvation affect a person's life?
One of the results is a remission of sins and a removal of guilt concerning our evil deeds that we have committed. This brings a sense of joy and love toward God and Jesus Christ through which this has occured. It is difficult to put into words the hope, peace, and joy that is brought into ones life by being obedient to God and repenting of one's sins. The knowledge that God cannot lie, that he has prepared a way for us to repent and that we have followed his plan and thus will obtain the gift of forgiveness. We are thus sanctified through obedience and the Holy Ghost, and Justified based upon our following the Law by which a remission of sins is granted.
The result of this is that a change occurs in oneself (through the Holy Ghost)... The desire to do evil and wicked acts is slowly over time removed. Until eventually one becomes as Job one who escheweth evil and desires only to do the will of God. Eventualy we will see as we are seen and know as we are know and be an individual who has been perfected through the atonement and have become like Jesus Christ. This type of person is unselfish, kind, merciful, and seeketh the welfare of others over his own welfare. He is truly a new creature who seeks to do good and not evil... who has the love of Christ (Charity) in his heart. Job 1:1,8 Job 2:3, 1 Peter 3:11, romans 6:4, 1 John 3:2, Moroni 7
The Holy Ghost is the constant companion of those who have received Baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost and who are living righteous lives. This wonderful gift allows the individual to receive greater light and knowledge and to understand the things of God better. Furthermore, it is a comforter and a protection for us to help us live our lives in accordance to God's will. It also gives us power to overcome temptations, as well as provides us Gifts to be used for the benefit of others.
How does salvation affect a person's condition after they have died?
When a Man dies they go to the spirit world (hades). After a time eventually all mankind will be freed from this condition (death - seperation of body from spirit) and will be reunited with their body. Only their body will have been glorified and become imortal no longer able do die and this will be their condition forevermore.)
This condition is described as follows:
2 Nephi 9:12-16
Any individual who is ressurected and yet still remains in their sins will also be brought before the judgement seat of God to be judged of their works. They will be found in their sins, having not obeyed the commandments and laws required for them to become at one with God again and receive a remission of their sins. Furthermore, they will (because they have perfected imortal bodies) will have a perfect knowledge of their wickedness and evil, and their desires, and intents of their heart will be plain before them. They will thus know that God's judgements are just and they will go away and receive the glory and power that they were willing to accept. They are immortal beings never to die again, they have received through the ressurection the glory that they will have and thus is their state affixed. (This being dependant upon their deeds done in the mortal body, and their thoughts and actions therin).
Any individual who is ressurected and having obeyed God's law and being justified by the same will be brought before the judgement seat of God to be judged of their works. They will be found without remorse or guilt, and will be able to stand before God having received a remission of their sins and having become one with God and his laws. They will also have a perfect recollection of all of their actions, thoughts, and intents of their heart. However, they will have received a remission and have thus been forgiven and have no guilt before God. Thus they will dwell in the presence of God forever. This is the final state of the righteous and those who accept the atonement in their lives.
Thus, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ, that his judgements and mercy are just and proper and that the result and the condition that they are receiving is correct.
What would have been the result been of not having the atonement of Jesus Christ to save us from our sins?
If the atonement had not occured then all mankind would have been in a lost and fallen state.. having gone contrry to the will and laws of God. There would have been no-one to pay the penalty of our sins, or Adams transgression. Thus the following would have occured:
All mankind would be under the penalty of sin, and thus have died and never been ressurected.
Everyone would be found filthy before God and shut out of his presence. (the penalty of sin is death - spiritual (seperation from god) and temporal seperation of spirit from body)
We would each and every one of us become like unto the devil (a disembodied, unrepentant, rebellious spirit thrust out of the presence of God) forever having no hope or possibility of redemption. There would be no hope, no possibility of redemption and no future.
We could truly say as some do... that it is today to live eat and be merry for tommorrow we die and that is the end. Lie, cheat, steal and the strong should survive, while the weak are nothing but to be crushed under the strong's foot. For there is no hope and death is the end.. before the final dreadful judgments of God are put into place.
Conclusion:
Thus, we glory in the Love and Mercy shown upon us by Jesus Christ and his atonement. Who can say to much concerning him and his life... His supremacy is in all things. His majesty, mercy power and love are beyond mere men such as you or I to comprehend. Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but through him save them from their sins. He could have condemned us you know... He could have lived a good life and thus proven that it was possible to be truly obedient to God.
Thus showing that we should have been able to do it and because of our weakeness and frailties unable to do so.
Thus condemning the world justly so... He did it why couldn't we?
But that was not his purpose... his purpose was to provide all of us the opportunity to become clean, and like him.
Who can say to much concerning him!!! I glory in my redeemer and the hope and love he showed for us. He will and has to this point subdued most enemies under his feet... and eventually when he comes again will finally and completly subdue all enemies under his feet.. when time is no more and his work is finished!!
I thank you for the opportunity to bear my testimony of my saviour to you. I am grateful for the love he has shown for us... and am trying to be a disciple of his ways.
I pray that we all may learn of him, learn his words, follow his laws and commandments, and eventually be saved in God's presence forever!! I truly believe that he is a God of Justice, and Mercy, and that he cannot and will not break his own laws. Thus the punishments, and rewards are affixed and it is up to us to take advantage of his plan for us and thus receive a remission of our sins.
Theron.
References:
2 Nephi 9:5-30
Moroni 7:4-48
Alma 41:1-15