As faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we understand that life on earth is just a small part of our eternal journey. Our Heavenly Father has a divine plan for us, known as the Plan of Salvation, which provides us with a roadmap for our journey back to Him. In this article, we will explore the different aspects of the Plan of Salvation, and how we can apply its teachings in our daily lives.
The Premortal Life
Before we came to earth, we lived with our Heavenly Father as His spirit children. We were taught by Him, and we developed our individual identities and personalities. We also had the opportunity to choose whether we wanted to follow His plan or not. Those of us who chose to follow His plan were given the opportunity to come to earth, gain a physical body, and experience mortality. This decision showed our faith in Heavenly Father, and it was the first step in our journey back to Him.
The Earthly Life
Mortality is a time of learning and growth. We face trials, challenges, and opportunities that help us develop our character and strengthen our faith. We also have the gift of agency, which allows us to choose our actions and exercise our free will. As we follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, we can learn to make righteous choices and become more like Him. We can also receive blessings and guidance through the Holy Ghost, which helps us navigate our way through life’s challenges.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ
Through His infinite love and mercy, our Savior Jesus Christ atoned for our sins and made it possible for us to be forgiven and return to our Heavenly Father. His sacrifice allows us to repent, be cleansed, and start anew. We can also receive healing and comfort through the Atonement, and it helps us overcome the trials and temptations of mortality. As we apply the Atonement in our lives, we can experience greater peace and joy.
The Spirit World
After we die, our spirits go to the spirit world, where we await the Resurrection and Final Judgment. Those who have accepted the gospel and lived righteously will dwell in a state of peace and happiness known as Paradise, while those who rejected the gospel will experience a state of darkness and misery known as Outer Darkness. In the spirit world, we also have the opportunity to continue our progression and learn from those who have gone before us.
The Resurrection
At the time appointed by our Heavenly Father, we will all be resurrected and receive our physical bodies again. Our bodies will be perfected and glorified, and we will no longer experience pain, sickness, or death. This is the fulfillment of the promise that we will live again, and it is a crucial part of the Plan of Salvation.
The Final Judgment
After the Resurrection, we will all stand before our Heavenly Father to be judged according to our works and the desires of our hearts. This judgment will be just and merciful, and it will determine our eternal destiny. Those who have accepted the gospel and lived righteously will receive the blessings of exaltation and eternal life, while those who rejected the gospel will receive a lesser degree of glory. The Final Judgment is a reminder that our choices and actions have eternal consequences, and it motivates us to live our lives in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ.