Show notes
Today we cover Lesson 2 in the LDS Missionary Lessons based on “Preach My Gospel”. This one is about what Mormons call "The Plan of Salvation" - but it's really about a concept foreign to biblical teaching called "exaltation". It's where Mormon missionaries introduce the concepts of eternal progression and "Kingdoms of Glory". Spoiler alert: it's not biblical!--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now Preach My Gospel: A [Mormon] Guide to Missionary Service--The Plan of SalvationPremortal Life: God’s Purpose and Plan for UsGod is our Heavenly Father, and we are His children (see Acts 17:16–34; Hebrews 12:9).God has a plan for our happiness. Jesus Christ is central to that plan.God’s plan of happiness makes it possible to return to His presence (see Moses 1:39).Our eternal progression depends on how we use our agency (see 2 Nephi 2:27–29).The CreationUnder the Father’s direction, Jesus Christ created the earth (see Hebrews 1:1–3).Agency and the Fall of Adam and EveAdam and Eve were created in God’s image (see Genesis 1:26–27).In the Garden of Eden they were innocent and lived in God’s presence.Because they partook of the forbidden fruit, they were cast out of the garden (see Moses 4:19–31). This is called the Fall.They became mortal, were able to have children, and were also subject to sin and death (see 2 Nephi 2:22–25; Moses 5:11).Our Life on EarthOur purpose in life is to find lasting peace, joy, and happiness as families and to prepare to return to live with God.We came to the earth to be tested (see Abraham 3:24–25).We gain a body of flesh and bones, but we are subject to physical death.God gives commandments. If we obey, we are blessed. If we disobey, we sin and receive the consequences.All sin must be paid for, either by ourselves or by Christ (see Doctrine and Covenants 19:15–20).We make choices, and we all commit sin (see Romans 3:23).We have experiences that bring us happiness and also sorrow.We cannot overcome either physical or spiritual death without Christ.The Atonement of Jesus ChristBecause Jesus Christ overcame physical death, we will all be resurrected (see Alma 11:41–43).Through Christ’s Atonement we can become clean from sin so that we can return to live in God’s presence (see 2 Nephi 9:8–9).Christ will forgive our sins as we have faith in Him, repent, receive baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end.The Spirit WorldAll people must die.At death our spirits go to the spirit world.We live in either a state of misery or a state of peace and rest, depending on how we lived in this life.The Resurrection, Salvation, and ExaltationOur spirits and bodies will be reunited in the Resurrection (see Alma 11:42–45; 40:23).Eternal life and exaltation are gifts of God given to those who fully obey the gospel of Jesus Christ (see Doctrine and Covenants 14:7; 132:17).Judgment and Kingdoms of Glory (see Doctrine and Covenants 76; 137; 1 Corinthians 15:40–42)We will return to God’s presence to be judged according to our works and desires.If we have repented, we will receive mercy.We receive a kingdom of glory according to our works and desires (see Doctrine and Covenants 137:9).Those who receive the gospel and live it valiantly throughout their lives will receive the celestial kingdom (see Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–70).Honorable people who are “blinded by the craftiness of men” and who are “not valiant in the testimony of Jesus [Christ]” receive the terrestrial kingdom (see Doctrine and Covenants 76:75, 79).Those who sin and do not repent will receive the telestial glory after they suffer for their sins.